came in Person to Assault it Anno 1216. after the Death of King John on the Feast-day of Simon and Jude the Apostles the twenty eighth day of October Henry the Third being then but nine Years old eldest Son of King John was Crowned at Glocester principally by the Power of Walo the Pope's Legat Peter Bishop of Winchester Randle Earl of Chester and William Marshall Earl of Pembroke and some others Paris and Polychronicon Anno Domini 1217. after Easter Randle Earl of Chester with many others met about the besieging of the Castle of Mountsorell by the procurement of William Marshall Regent of England for the young King which they fiercely assaulted But Lewis King of France and the Barons of England sent Forces from London in the very beginning of May to raise the Siege Randle Earl of Chester hearing thereof with others came to Nottingham The Barons march on and Besiege Lincoln Castle In the interim William Marshall Guardian of the young King and Kingdom Commanded all the Forces out of his several Garrisons to meet at Newark on Tuesday in Whitsun-week for the raising of the Siege at Lincoln among whom Randle Earl of Chester was the Prime Commander and in the beginning of the Week following they routed the Barons at Lincoln Mat. Paris pag. 294 295. And the Monk of Chester in his Polychronicon saith That Randle Earl of Chester slew many of the French so that Lewis the French King seeing his Party much weakned for a Sum of Money surrenders up all his Garrisons and returns to France Anno 1158. the Abbey of Pulton in Cheshire was Founded Anno 1214. that Convent was removed to Deulacresse in Staffordshire 10 Calendas Maii by this Earl Randis Monasticon vol. 1. pag. 891. Anno 1218. 2 Hen. 3. Randle Earl of Chester after he was accorded with Lhewellin Prince of Northwales took a Voyage to Jerusalem In which Year Damieta was taken by the Christians Mat Paris pag. 303. Anno 1220. 4 Hen. 3. Randle returning out of the Holy Land built Beeston Castle in Cheshire and Chartley Castle in Staffordshire and the Abbey of Delacresse near Leeke in Staffordshire of the Order of white Monks * De ordine Cisterciensi To which Abbey he gave Leeke and Rudeyard in Staffordshire Monasticon Vol. 1. pag. 891 892. Bivelegh vulgo Byley near to Middlewich in Cheshire was a Grange belonging to the Monks of Delacresse Monasticon Vol. 2. pag. 919. Towards the Charge of the Castles he Levied a Tax through all his Lands and Tenants Polychronicon Also Knighton pag. 24. 30. Nor can I here pass by the Mistake of Bale de Scriptoribus Britanniae Cent. 3. num 93. where he writes thus Ranulfus de Glaunvyle Cestriae Comes vir nobilissimi Generis in utroque jure eruditus in Albo illustrium virorum à me meritò ponendus venit ità probè omnes adolescentiae suae annos Legibus tùm humanis tùm divinis consecravit ut non priùs in hominem per aetatem evaserit quà m nomen decusque ab insigni eruditione sibi comparaverit Cùm Profecti essent Francorum heroes Ptolemaidem inito cùm Johanne Brenno Hierosolymorum Rege concilio Damiatam Egypti urbem obsidendam constituebant Anno Salutis humanae 1218. misit illùc Henricus Rex ab Honorio tertio Romanorum Pontifice Rogatus cùm magnâ Armatorum manu Ranulfum ad rem Christianam juvandam Cujus virtus Polydoro teste in eo bello miris omnium laudibus celebrata fuit Quo confecto negotio Ranulfus in patriam reversus scripsit unum librum de Legibus Angliae Fertur praetereà alia quaedam scripsisse sed tempus Edax rerum ea nobis abstulit Anno 1230. claruit confectus Senio dum Henricus tertius sub Antichristi Tyrannide in Angliâ regnaret So Bale and from him Pitseus thus Ranulfus Glanvillus ex Splendissimâ familiâ Cestriae Comitum in Angliâ natus c. in his Book De illustribus Angliae Scriptoribus These are both mistaken in the Name confounding Randle Blundevill and Randle Glaunvill together Randle Glaunvill indeed was Chief Justice of England under Henry II. and writ a Book De Legibus Angliae yet extant amongst us He died at the Siege of Accon Anno Christi 1190. Hoveden pag. 685. But this Randle Blundevill Earl of Chester is of later time a little and died Anno Christi 1232. This Earl was at the Siege of Damiata but writ no Book De Legibus Glaunvill writ the Book but was neither Earl of Chester nor of the Race of the Earls of Chester So much of Bale See Spelman's Glossary pag. 338. b. Anno 1224. Randle Earl of Chester John Constable of Cheshire and others of the Nobility were much displeased with Hubert de Burgo Chief Justice of England alledging that he did exasperate the King against them and did not well Execute the Laws insomuch that the Earl of Chester with his Complices at Leycester in stead of surrendring up the Castles which the King demanded from him as belonging to the Crown had thought to have sent threatning Messages both against the King and his Chief Justice but upon more deliberate Advice surrendred them Paris pag. 318 319 320. Anno 1229. the King having gathered a great Army together at Portsmouth thought to Transport them beyond Sea to recover those Lands which his Father had lost but not finding sufficient Shipping for half his Army he imputed the fault to the Treachery of Hubert de Burgo that he should have been Bribed thereunto by the Queen of France and drawing his Sword to have killed Hubert Randle Earl of Chester interposed and saved him that he got out of the King's sight till his fury was past Paris pag. 363. And in the same Year Randle Earl of Chester refuseth to pay Tythes to the Pope Paris ibidem Anno 1230. Randle Earl of Chester marched through Anjou and took certain Castles and so returned into Little Britain where the King had made him Commander in Chief of his Forces together with William Marshall and William Albemarle Paris pag. 367. Anno 1232. in the Parliament assembled at London the King demanded Money for the Discharge of his Debts occasioned by the Wars The Earl of Chester answering for the Nobility of the Kingdom told him That the Earls Barons and Knights which hold of him in Capite were personally with him in the Service and had exhausted their own Money in that Service and therefore ought not to pay any thing and so nothing was Granted Paris pag. 372. In this Year Randle Earl of Chester did a second time save the Life of Hubert de Burgo when the King being exasperated with Hubert sent to the Mayor of London to send away all the Armed he could raise immediately to put him to Death who in one Nights space were encreased to 20000. willing of the occasion But the King by the perswasion of Randle Earl of Chester telling how dangerous it might be to raise
William Earl Warren and Surrey 1139. Margaret married to Conan Earl of Little-Brettain after to Bohuis She died 1201. Hoveden p. 822. 1 Malcolme IV. Obiit sine prole 1165. 2 William King of Scotland died 1214. Ermengard Daughter of Richard Viscount Beaumont 1186. 2 Henry Patrick de Galightly one of the Competitors 1 Alexander II. King of Scotland Obiit 1249. Joan Sister to H 3. King of England 1221. Alexander III. King of Scotland killed by a fall from his Horse A. 1285. Margaret Daughter of Hen. 3. King of England 1251. David Son of Alexander III. died before his Father without Issue Alexander married the Daughter of the Earl of Flanders but he died before his Father leaving no Issue Margaret Wife of the King of Norwey Margaret a Daughter died young without Issue about 1291. Ericus King of Norwey became a Competitor for the Crown of Scotland on behalf of Margaret his Daughter now deceased as Administrator to her Anno 1292. Walsingham's Hist pag. 58. Isabel Wife of Roger le Bigot Earl Marshal no Issue But she married Robert Lord Roos first Hus. William L. Roos another Competitor Margaret Wife of Hubert de Burgo Earl of Kent 1221. M. Paris Margaret Wife of Richard de Clare No Issue Margerita Wife unto Eustace de Vescy William de Vescy 1 John sine prole 2 William Vescy another Competitor 1291. Ada Wife of Patrick de Dunbarre Patrick Patric E. of Dunbar another Competitor 1291. Austrio or Aufrica Wife of William de Say of Vlster A quo Roger de Mandevil another Competitor 3 David Earl of Huntington 1184. Maud eldest Sister to Randle Blundevil Earl of Chester and a Coheir 1 Margaret eldest daughter of David Earl of Huntington was Second wife to Alan de Galloway Constable of Scotland Dervergoile married to John Baliol of Bernards Castle in the Bishoprick of Durham the Founder of Baliol-College in Oxford He died Anno 1269. aut paulo ante 1 Hugh Baliol Son and Heir Obiit sine prole Balio-fergus pag. 2. 2 Alan second Son Obiit sine prole 3 Alexander third Son Obiit sine prole 4 John Baliol another Competitor who was adjudged King of Scotland by the Award of King Edward the First Anno 1292. Thomas died without Issue Christian eldest Daughter died without Issue 2 Isabel married Robert de Bruse Ro. de Bruse Lord of Anandale another Competitor 1291. 3 Maud died without Issue 4 Ada married Henry Hastings Knighton pag. 2431. John Hastings Lord of Berguenny another Competitor 1291. 1 Henry died young 2 David died young 3 John Scot Earl of Chester married Hellen Daughter of Lhewellyn Prince of North-Wales John died without Issue Anno 1237. Helen his Widow after married Robert Quency third Son of Saher de Quency Earl of Winchester Ada Wife of Florence Earl of Holland She died 1208. Hist of the Netherlands p. 16. Florence William Florence a Competitor to the Crown of Scotland An Do. 1291. Pryn's Hist p. 513. 1 Claricia 2 Hodierna Ordericus pa. 702. 5 6 Edmund and Ethelred banisht by their Uncle Donwald 1 Edith after called Maude uxor H. 1. Regis Angliae 2 Mary wife of Eustace Comitis Boloniae Quare Whether Margaret Wife of Hubert de Burgo were not the Widow of Eustace Vescy for Eustace died 1216. Mat Paris ⚜ See the Claims of the Competitors to the Crown of Scotland Anno Domini 1291. from the Record it self set down in Pryn's History of King John Hen. 3. and Edw. 1. pag. 513 514 c. ⚜ See the Record in Pryn's History of K. John H. 3. Edw. 1. Pa. 515 516. 28. John Balioll Son of John Balioll of Bernards-Castell in the Bishoprick of Durham after the Interregnum of six Years and nine Months was by Edward the First adjudged right Heir to the Crown of Scotland and was thereupon Crowned King at Scone on St. Andrew's Day being the last of November in the Year of Christ 1292. and presently after he came to Newcastle upon Tyne and did Homage to the King of England there and acknowledged King Edward to be his Liege Lord of all the Kingdom of Scotland to be held hereditarily of the Kings of England Walsingham's Hypodigma Neustriae pag. 480. For Edward the First King of England being appointed Judge of the Right to the Crown of Scotland by consent of all the Competitors of whom onely the Question was moved between John Balioll and Robert Bruse for all the rest of the Competitors were excluded as inferior Titles gave Sentence for John Balioll by the common Assent who was Descended from the eldest Daughter of David Earl of Huntington Brother of William King of Scotland and Bruse from the younger Daughter where by the way I must note Walsingham's Book misprinted which calleth David here mentioned King of Scotland for Brother of the King of Scotland Anno 1295. this John Balioll desired to Marry Edward Balioll his Son unto Joan Daughter of Charles Brother to the King of France promising his Aid against the King of England And in Anno 1296. the Scots Besiege Carlisle King Edward subdues the Scots and makes them swear Fealty to him takes John Balioll King of Scotland Prisoner and leaves John Warren Earl of Surrey Protector of Scotland and Hugh Cressingham Treasurer and William de Ormesby Justice and so returns to London Walsingham 29. Robert Bruse was Crowned King of Scotland at Scone in April 1306. He was Son of Robert Bruse Lord of Annansdale Competitor with John Balioll in Right of Isabell his Mother the second Daughter though a Degree nearer than Balioll to the deceased King and Son of the second Daughter whereas Balioll was Descended of the eldest Sister but of a Daughter of that Sister which Robert Bruse the Father released his Title to this Robert Bruse his Son then Earl of Carrick but now King of Scotland Dated at Barwick die Veneris in Crastino Sancti Leonardi the seventh of November Anno Gratiae 1292. Vincent upon Brook pag. 255. but it being adjudged to Balioll he seeks to get it by force and was Crown'd 1306. confirmed therein by the great Defeat given to Edward the Second's Forces at Banocksburn not far from Sterling ⚜ One Hamilton flying from the English Court to this King Robert who gave him Lands juxta Glottam Fluvium his Postetity afterward came to be ranked among the Nobility of Scotland and the House and Land which the King gave him was called Hamilton This was the original of the Hamiltons in Scotland Buchanan lib. 8. pag. 271 272. Anno 1318. Edward Bruse Brother to this King Robert was taken Prisoner and Beheaded at Dundalk He had infested Ireland three Years and caused himself to be Crowned King thereof Walsingham pag. 111. This King Robert Married to his first Wife Isabel Daughter of Donald of whom he begot Marjory Mother of Robert Stewart afterwards King of Scotland Cambden's Britannia pag. 713. Robert Bruse died the ninth of July 1329. Anno Regni 24. Buchanan
it first given to him by the Conqueror who enjoying it but a little while is commonly omitted without any notice at all But this Hugh was the first Earl of Chester of the Norman Race since the Conquest The Description of Earl Hugh out of Ordericus Lib. 4. Eccles Histor pag. 522. Hic non Dapsilis sed prodigus c. He was not abundantly liberall but profusely prodigal and carried not so much a Family as an Army still along with him He took no account either of his Receipts or Disbursements He daily wasted his Estate and delighted more in Falconers and Huntsmen than in the Tillers of his Land or Heavens Orators the Ministers He was given much to his Belly whereby in time he grew so fat that he could scarce crawle He had many Bastard Sons and Bastard Daughters but they were almost all swept away by sundry Misfortunes Again Ordericus Lib. 6. pag. 598. Ex his Hugo Abrincatensis Richardi cognomento Goz filius inter caeteros Magnates effulsit Cui Postquà m Gherbodus Flandrensis ad suos recessit Rex Comitatum Cestrensem consilio Prudentum concessit Hic nimirùm Amator Saeculi Saeculariumque Pomparum fuit quas maximam beatitudinum putabat esse portionem humanarum erat enìm in militiâ Promptus in dando nimìs prodigus gaudens ludis luxibus mimis equis canibus aliisque hujusmodi vanitatibus Huic maxima semper adhaerebat Familia in quibus nobilium ignobiliumque puerorum numerosa perstrepebat Copia Cùm eodem Consule commorabantur viri honorabiles Clerici milites quos tà m laborum quà m divitiarum gratulabatur esse suarum Participes In Capellâ ejus Serviebat Abrincatensis Clericus nomine Geroldus religione honestate peritiâque literarum praeditus Azure a Wolves Head erased Ar. He had Land in twenty Counties in England for in the Catalogue of the Counties wherein certain Great Men held Lands in the twentieth Year of William the Conqueror as it is put in the Appendix to the ancient Norman Writers set out by Andrew du Chesne and Printed at Paris Ann. Dom. 1619. we read thus Comes Hugo Hampshire Berkshire Dorset Somerset Devonshire Buckingham Oxford Glocester Huntington Northampton Warwick Shropshire Derbyshire Cheshire Nottingham Rutland Yorkshire Lincoln Norfolk and Suffolk Concerning certain Lands in Oxfordshire which he gave to the Monastery of Abbington I find in an old Lieger Book of that Monastery remaining in Cotton 's Library noted Claudius C. 9. fol. 137. of the whole Book but lib. 2. fol. 35. of that particular part of the History of the Church of Abbington as followeth Viculus est Burgo Abendonensi contiguus Scipena dictus hunc de Abbatiâ tempore Edwardi Regis quidam ipsius constabulus nomine Eadnotus tenebat Cujus viri terrarum metas posteà Hugo Cestrensis Comes adeptus cùm didicisset praedictum viculum hujus Abbatiae Juri pertinere commonitu Rainoldi Abbatis Baronum suorum consultu tertio Regni Willielmi Junioris Regis anno pridiè Calendarum Aprilium ipse Comes in Sanctuario Ecclesiae istius consistens toto conventu Fratrum ibi praesidente quicquid in illo loco posse videbatur habere Deo Genetrici ejus id obtulit manu cultellum Altari supponendo ut in perpetuùm ratum constet verbis illud prosequendo Affuere illo cùm Comite Engenulphus Willielmus uterque nepos ipsius Godardus etià m de Boiavillâ cùm Engerardo alii plures Charta de Scipena DE hâc ut dictum est re determinatâ cùm primo apud eundem Comitem oriretur Sermo literas Abbati indè direxit Quarum hujusmodi extitit Textus Hugo Cestrensis Comes Rainoldo Venerando Abbati charissimo Amico suo Salutem Mando tibi quòd de terrâ quam ergà me petiisti locutus sum cùm uxore meâ cum meis Baronibus inveni in meo Consilio quòd concedam eam Deo Sanctae Ecclesiae de quâ Pastoralis Cura super te imposita est Tali Pacto quòd dones mihi XXX libras denariorum de tuâ Pecuniâ ut frater vester sim uxor mea pater meus mater mea in orationibus vestris ità ut simus scripti omnes in Libro commemorationum ut sit factum tale obsequium pro nobis quale debet fieri pro uno fratre de Ecclesiâ ubicunque moriamur Quicquid itaque pro illâ terrâ exactum est nil fieri relictum nam pecunia data caetera quaesita omninò impensa What Lands this Earl Hugh held in Demaine in Cheshire appears in the Record of Dooms-day Book Title Cestre-Scire where in the beginning of the same after the Laws of Chester it is said The Bishop of Chester holds of the King the Lands in Cheshire which belong to his Bishoprick and those Lands are immediately reckoned up and set down All the rest of the Lands of the County Earl Hugh held of the King cùm suis hominibus where cùm suis hominibus I conceive is not there meant that the Earl and his Tenants held their Lands of the King but that the Earl held all Cheshire of the King with his Tenants also that is and the Tenure and Services of all his Tenants in Cheshire he holdeth of the King also for every Person in Cheshire except the Bishop held what Lands he was possessed of immediately from the Earl and the Earl held all from the King The Names of such Towns in Cheshire as Earl Hugh held in Demaine at that time Anno Christi 1086. WEverham Kennardsly Doneham on the Hill Elton Trafford Manly Hellesbye Frodshum Alreton Alderly Inferior Done Edesbery nigh the Chamber in the Forest Eaton in Broxton Hundred Lay in Broxton Hundred Cotinton Lay. Rushton Upton juxta Rushton Little Budworth Olton Over Estham Trafford Edlave Macclesfield Adlington Gowesworth Merton Chelford Hungerweniton Henbury Capesthorne Henshall Tingtweezle Hollinworth Wernith Ramiley Laiton Alsacher Sanbach Clive Sutton nigh Middlewich VVimboldsly Weever Occleston Upton in Wirrall Stanney Anterbus in Overwhitley In all forty eight The Descent of Earl Hugh Ansfrid or Amfrid a Dane Umfrid de Telliolo Governor of Hastings in England 1068. Ordericus pag. 512. Son of Amfred the Dane Ordericus pag. 669. Married Adeliza Sister of Hugh de Grentemaisnill Governor of Leicester and had Issue Robert of Tothelent Castle in Wales also Ernald and Roger both Monks of Utica in Normandy and William Abbas Sanctae Euphemiae Ordericus pag. 671. Robert of Rothelent Son of Umfrid whom Ordericus pag. 670. calls Consobrinum Hugonis Comitis Cestriae Cosin to Earl Hugh He was slain Anno 1088. Of whom see more suprà pag. 24. Turstine sirnamed Goz Son of Amfrid sometime Governor of Oxima kept the Castle of Faloys in Normandy against Duke William being yet a Child But Rodulfus Waceiensis who Commanded the Forces for the young Duke besieged him therein Turstine not able to hold out long
confidence of your Valour and the King's Injustice I doubt not to dissipate his Forces and with my Sword to make way through the midst of my Enemies Methinks I see them run already Then Robert Earl of Glocester who Commanded in Chief encouraged his Soldiers and told the Bassians and others who were Disinherited That now they should have one Bout for the recovery of their Right and Inheritance King Stephen on the other part alights from his Horse and Fought on foot very stoutly both for his Life and Kingdom but having no audible Voice commanded Baldwin de Clare a Man of great Honour and Prowess to make known his mind to the Army Henry Huntington li. 8. who made an Oration to encourage the Soldiers Impeaching the Earl of Chester as a Man audacious but without Judgment heady to plot a Treason but still wavering in the pursuit of it ready to run into Battel but uncircumspect of any danger aiming beyond his reach and conceiting things meerly impossible and therefore hath but few with him that know him leading onely a Rout of vagrant and tumultuous Pesants So there is nothing in him to be feared for whatsoever he begins like a Man he ends like a Woman unfortunate in all his Undertakings In his Encounters he hath either been vanquished or if by chance he rarely a obtain Victory it is with greater loss on his part then the Conquered But as soon as he had ended his Oration the Fight began which was very fierce and terrible many slain on both parts In the Head of the King's Army were very stout Soldiers but his Enemies outvying him in number prevailed William de Ipro with the Flemmings and Alan with the Britons first turn their Backs * Huntington and Hoveden say they beat the Welsh but the Earl of Chester coming up with his Forces quite routed them which much discouraged the King's Friends but encouraged the Enemy The King was ill betrayed for some of his Nobles accompanied him in Person whiles they sent whole Troops to the other side Waleran Earl of Mellent and William de Warren his Brother Gilbert de Clare and other famous Knights both of England and Normandy ran away as soon as they saw their own side shrink But Baldwin de Clare and Richard Son of Ursi Engelram de Say and Ildebert Lacy stuck stoutly to the King and Fought it to the last Man Stephen himself like a noble Branch of an heroick Family Fought so gallantly that when his Sword was broken taking a Battel-Axe from a young Gentleman which stood near him he ceased not to Encounter with his over-powerful Enemies but at last was constrained to yield himself Prisoner to Robert Earl of Glocester his Cosin who sent him to Maude the Empress at Bristow where he was imprisoned Baldwine de Clare likewise and other excellent Champions on the King's part were taken Prisoners Thus by the voluble Wheel of Fortune was King Stephen taken Prisoner at the Battel of Lincoln on Candlemas-day Anno Domini 1141. according to Ordericus who lived in that very Age which was principally occasioned by the Valour and Assistance of Randle Earl of Chester III. Alan Earl of Brettaine a treacherous and cruel Man Gesta Steph. pag. 953. lying in Ambush for the Earl of Chester to revenge the Dishonor of taking his Lord and King Prisoner was himself taken and imprisoned till he did Homage to Randle Earl of Chester and had delivered up his Castles unto him Others say Alan Earl of Richmond and Little-Britain was sent for by Randle to speak with him and so was Apprehended by him Anno 1141. John Hagustaldensis pag. 269. Not long after this Robert Earl of Glocester was taken Prisoner in another Battel by some others of Stephen's Party and so immediately King Stephen and Earl Robert were exchanged each for other Anno 1143. Stephen being released out of Prison Besieged Lincoln and would have built a Fort over against the Castle which Randle Earl of Chester kept but the Earl killed almost eighty of his Workmen and so he was forced to give it off Mat. Paris and Hen. Huntington But Hoveden placeth this 1144. 9 Stephani Anno Domini 1145. King Stephen gathering a great Army built a strong Castle over against Wallingford whither Randle Earl of Chester accompanied him with great Forces and was restored unto his Favour But afterwards the Earl coming to the King's Court at Northampton was surprized little dreaming of any such matter and cast into Prison untill he restored the Castle of Lincoln which he had fraudulently taken and all other Castles which he injuriously had taken from the King Chronica Normanniae put out by Du Chesne with other Histories pag. 982. Also Polychronicon addeth That the Welshmen then wasted Cheshire but were intercepted at Nantwich ⚜ lib. 7. cap. 19. Monasticon vol. 1. pag. 890. But for the Reconcilement of Stephen and Randle it is more fully set down in Gesta Stephani pag 968. thus The Earl of Chester who had got almost a third part of the Kingdom by his Sword comes to the King and desires Pardon for his Rebellion at Lincoln and for the seizing of his Soveraign's Possessions and thereupon was received into Favour And in farther testimony of his Obedience he helped the King's Forces and gallantly Assaulted the Town of Bedford which had much weakned and shattered the King's Army and having taken it delivers it into Stephen's Hands After this he accompanied King Stephen to Wallingford attended with three hundred gallant Horse till the King had erected a stately Castle in prospect thereof to stop the Incursions of the Enemy which were wont to issue out of Wallingford and prey upon the Countrey But for all this Friendship Randle was suspected of Stephen because he surrendred not the Castles and Rents which he had violently taken from him and because of the Earls wavering and unstable Mind not having put in Pledges of his Fidelity so that neither the King nor his prime Councellors durst rely upon him unless he would surrender all the King's Possessions and if he refused this then the King ought to clap him up at his best opportunity Ibidem pag. 970 971. Randle Earl of Chester seeing he was thus suspected turns himself to his wonted course of Treason plotting how he might more easily without Infamy deliver the King into the Hands of his Enemies and coming to the Court with some Attendance whereby he might be the freer from suspicion he complained how he was beset with a barbarous multitude of Welsh who made great spoil and waste of his Lands so that he and all his Tenants bordering on the Confines of his County would be quite extirpated unless the King gave him speedy Assistance telling him that his Presence would do more by the very Name of a King than many thousands of Soldiers without him The King cheerfully promiseth his Assistance but the Councel about his Royal Person would not suffer it for they wished
County which was his ancient Inheritance and also the Castle of Belvoir with all the Barony and all the Land of William de Albiney then Lord of Belvoir and Graham vulgo Grantham with Sok And if the Heirs of Graham should Compound with the King yet the Barony to remain till the King gave other Lands for it By the same Charter the King gave him New-Castle in Staffordshire Socam de Roeley Torksey Derby Mansfield Stoneley the Wapentack of Orwardebek and all the Lands of Roger de Busley with all the Honour of Blithe nigh Tickhill and all the Lands of Roger de Poictu from Northampton to Scotland except what belongs to Roger de Montbegon in Lincolnshire also all the Lands between Ribbell and Mersey and the Land which the King had in Demaine in Grimsby in Lincolnshire and all the Land which the Earl of Glocester had in Demaine in that Mannor of Grimsby And also he restored for Randle's sake unto Adelize de Condy all her Lands viz. Horncastle in Lincolnshire when the Castle was demolished And all his own other Lands the King restored unto him Ex Charta Originali nuper in Castro de Pomfret Which Note I had from Mr. Dugdale ei dedi Et Nottingham Castle Burgum quicquid habui in Nottingham in feodo haereditate sibi haeredibus suis Dedi totum feodum Willielmi Peverelli ubicunque sit nisi poterit se dirationare in meâ Curiâ de scelere Proditione exceptâ Hecham Et si Engelramus de Albemarle non voluerit se capere mecum neque Comes Simon illud vi capere potero praedictam Hecham reddo Comiti Ranulfo si eam habere voluerit Et Torcheseiam Oswardebek Wapentack Derbeiam cùm omnibus Pertinentiis Et Maunsfield cùm Soca Roelay cùm Soca Stanleiam juxtà Coventreiam cùm Soca de Belvario tenebo ei rectum quà m citiùs potero sicut de suâ haereditate Et sex Baronibus suis quos elegerit cuique centum libratas terrae dabo de his quae mihi ex hostibus meis adquisita acciderint de me tenendas Et omnibus Parentibus suis suam reddo haereditatem undè potens sum de hoc undè ad praesens potens non sum rectum Plenarium tenebo ex quo potens ero Testibus Willielmo Cancellario Reginaldo Comite Cornubiae Rogero Comite Herdia Patricio Comite Salisburiae Umfrido de Bohun Dapifero J. Filio Gilberti R. de Hum. Constabulario Guarino Filio Ger. Roberto de Curcy Dapifero Manassero Bysset Dapifero Philippo de Columbe Ex parte Comitis Ranulfi Willielmo Comite Lincolniae Hugone Wac G. Castell de Fines Simone Filio Willielmi Thurstano de Monteforti Gaufrido de Costentyn Willielmo de Verdon Ricardo de Pincerna Rogero Wac Simone Filio Osberti Apud Divisas And here I cannot pass by Vincent's Error in the Review of the second Edition of Brooks's Catalogue of Nobility pag. 662. where he saith thus That the Barons of the Earls of Chester were chosen in the time of Hugh Lupus I doubt for what should move Henry the Second when he was but yet Duke of Normandy and Earl of Anjou among divers Grants that he made to Randle de Gernouns Earl of Chester to say in his Charter Et sex Baronibus suis quos elegerit cuique centum libratas terrae dabo That he would give to the six Barons quos elegerit which he shall chuse not quos eligerit which he hath already chosen a hundred pound Land apiece c. if they had been chose in Hugh Lupus's time Thus Vincent But to pass by his gross Distinction of Elegerit and Eligerit for it is Elegerit in both Tenses Future and Preterperfect Tense nor is Eligerit any true Latin word at all Methinks he reads not the English to a proper and genuine Sence for I conceive the meaning to be plainly thus Et sex Baronibus suis quos elegerit cuique centum libratas terrae c. that is To six of his Barons whom he shall chuse or appoint out he will give to every one of them a hundred Pounds-worth of Land apiece So that there might be many more Barons at that time for all this And indeed the Charter of Hugh Lupus of the Foundation of the Monastery of St. Werburge in Chester Anno 1093. mentions Barons at that time which you may see at large suprà pag. 109 110 111. In the Subscription whereof it is said Ego Comes Hugo Barones mei confirmavimus And I pray you how comes the Duke here to know Randle's mind to elect Barons if they were yet to be chosen But where he renders it And to the six Barons which he shall chuse I should render it And to six of his Barons whom he shall chuse or cull out For the Grant being made to Earl Randle there was so much to be given to six of his Barons but left to the appointment and nomination of Earl Randle which six Barons he would have to be the Men to enjoy those Lands for if we should render it And to his six Barons c. implying onely that set number and no more the following words quos elegerit would be superfluous for being given to six Barons equally there is no choice left at all to the Earl where there be no more Barons unless we suppose six Barons to be made and that there were none before which evidently appears to the contrary Therefore indeed these words rightly understood do imply there were more Barons at that time out of which Randle had the nomination of the six here intended left unto him But of these Barons I shall speak more particularly in the third Part of this Book Take here a Deed or two of this Randles which are in one of the great Couchir-Books in the Dutchy-Office at Grays-Inn The first being of certain waste Lands in Leycestershire which this Randle gave to Henry the Second and the King gave them to Robert Bossue Earl of Leycester Ibidem Tom. 2. Comitatus Leycestriae Num. 66. HENRICUS Dei Gratiâ Rex Angliae Dux Normanniae Archiepiscopis Episcopis c. Salutem Sciatis Quia Ranulfus Comes de Cestria dimisit concessit mihi habere in Dominio Cernelegam Cernewodam Aldremanchagam in Defenso sicut aliquod defensum chariùs habeo omnia nemora quae fuerunt de Feodo Comitis de Cestra quae attingunt Forestam Legrecestriae praetèr Parcum suum habere in Defenso de Wasto de Bestiâ Salvagiâ Sicut autèm praedictus Comes Ranulfus mihi haec dimisit concessit ità Ego concedo Roberto Comiti Legrecestrae habere haereditabilitèr cùm alio Feodo suo Et volo firmitèr praecipio ut benè quietè honorificè teneat cùm omnibus consuetudinibus suis Testibus Theobaldo Comite Blesense Gualeranno Comite de Mellent Willielmo de Tano Nigello de Albiun
Presbyter Ecclesia cui pertinet dimidia hida saith Doomsday-book So that it seems to surmount the time of the Norman Conquest Hamon de Massy Son and Heir of the fourth Hamon gives to God the Blessed Virgin Mary and St. James and to the Prior and Convent of Birkenhed in Wirral half an Acre in Dunham-Massy together with the Advowson of Bodon-Church Anno Domini 1278. For in that Year was Richard Massy Sheriff who is one of the Witnesses Monasticon Anglicanum 1 Pars pag. 484. After the Dissolution of Abbies Henry the Eighth erected a new Bishoprick at Chester 33 Hen. 8. 1541. whereunto among other things he gave the Church of Bodon and other Lands late belonging to the Priory of Birkenhed So that this Church of Bodon hath now the Bishop of Chester for its Patron and was Dedicated to St. Mary as appears by the Deed above-mentioned whose Wakes or Dedication-Feast was celebrated 8 Septembris being the Nativity of St. Mary and comprehendeth within its Parish these Villages  The Mize  l. s. d. Agden one half 00 02 00 Bolinton one half 00 03 00 Dunham-Massy 00 08 00 Bodon 00 10 00 Ashley 01 07 04 Hale 01 12 10 Altrincham 00 10 09 Timperley 00 10 09 Baggiley 00 16 00 Partington 00 06 08 Carington 00 10 09 Ashton supèr Mersey part to wit one half 00 07 00 Sum Total is 07 05 01 The Vicarage of Bodon is said to be worth 120 l. per Annum Our common Proverb is Every Man is not born to be Vicar of Bodon The true Reason of the Proverb I cannot affirm Charterers in Bodon 1666. Henry Vawdrey of Baggiley Thomas Upton of Prestbury about five or six Acres no House Widow Tipping a Cottage in possession of Margaret Birch Widow Budworth THis Town of Budworth hath its Name from the old Saxon words Bode which signifies a Dwelling and Wurth a Place by a Water as it were a Dwelling or Town by a Water And so is this Town situated on a Hill near two large Meres Picmere-Mere and Budworth-Mere It is called Great Budworth in distinction from another Budworth called Little Budworth in Edesbery Hundred and hath a good Prospect on the South but now a poor Village and hath yearly two Fairs one on Candlemas-day 2 Februarii the other on our Lady-day 25 Martii The Toll whereof belongeth to the King In the Reign of William the Conqueror William Fitz-Nigell Baron of Halton held this Town of Hugh Earl of Chester and one Pagan held it of the said William In the beginning of Henry the Third's Reign Geffrey Son of Adam de Dutton was possessed of this Town lineal Ancestor to Warburton of Arley whose Posterity under Edward the Second assumed the Sir-name of Warburton from the Place of their Residence at that time This Geffrey Son of Adam lived at this Town of Budworth For in the Deed of the Purchase of Claterwigge a Hamlet in Little Legh by Sir Thomas Dutton of Dutton one of the Witnesses subscribed was Sir Geffrey of Budworth Son of Adam de Dutton Lib. C. fol. 156. T. And I have seen him stiled Geffrey de Budworth in many other Deeds and so was Geffrey his Son often so stiled who lived there also But Peter Dutton Son of the later Geffrey removing his Habitation unto Warburton towards the end of Edward the First his Son Peter was stiled de Warburton according to the manner of those Ages under Edward the Second from which time downwards his Posterity hath wholly retained the Sir-name of Warburton even to this day But his succeding Heirs afterwards disliking the Seat at Warburton either for the inundation of the Water or for some other cause removed their Seat to Arley in Aston near to this Budworth about the beginning of Henry the Seventh's Reign which House of Arley was built by Peter Warburton Esquire who died Anno Domini 1495. where they have ever since continued to this day as their Chief Mansion-House But to return Geffrey Son of Adam de Dutton above-mentioned as I find in a Parchment Roll among the Evidences of Dutton gave away the third part of this Budworth unto the Priory of Norton in the Reign of Henry the Third to pray for his Soul for evermore But after the Dissolution of Abbies by Henry the Eighth King Henry sold all the Lands in Great Budworth and Comberbache which belonged to the late Priory of Norton unto John Grimsdich of London Gentleman The Charter under the Broad Seal is dated at Westminster 1 die Julii 36 Hen. 8. 1544. These Lands in Great Budworth thus bought by John Grimsdich to wit the third part of Budworth were part of them sold by John Grimsdich to John Eaton of Crowley and John Eaton sold them to Peter Leycester of Tabley Esquire 2 Edw. 6. 1548. whose Heirs enjoy the same at this present 1666. Another part thereof was bought by Malbon of Budworth sold lately to Oasley Another part of them was bought by Hall of Browneslow in Budworth whose Heirs enjoy the same at this day and have the Custody of the King 's Original Grant unto Grimsdich of all these Lands aforesaid Some small part thereof also one Potter had The other two parts of Budworth aforesaid do now belong to Warburton of Arley 1666. the succeeding Issue of Geffrey Son of Adam de Dutton aforesaid but he holdeth the same of the King as Baron of Halton Chief Lord of Great Budworth Here is a fair Parish-Church Dedicated to God and all Saints in Commemoration whereof our Wake is celebrated the first day of November being All-Saints-day I suppose there was a Church here before the Norman Conquest for I find in Doomsday-book Ibi Presbyter duo Villani c. and a Priest supposeth a Church though I confess it is in other places of that Book usually said of such Towns as had Churches Ibì Presbyter Ecclesia The first Structure hereof undoubtedly was more rude than now it is which after-Ages beautified with a more Sumptuous Building as all other Churches have been I find on the left hand of the Steeple-door on the out-side as we enter therein towards the bottom of the Fabrick of the Steeple these words engraven in the Stone in an ancient Character Argille Egarde Vidua and on the right hand of the said Steeple-door opposite to that writing Wymincham Whereby it may seem that the Widow Egard is commemorated as a special Benefactor in the Structure of that Steeple Just over the same Steeple-door under the great Window I find three Coats of Arms but are not of such Antiquity as the other engraved Words before-mentioned seem to be On the left Corner over the Door is Dutton of Dutton's Coat viz. Quarterly a Fret in the second and third Quarters On the right-hand Corner opposite thereunto A Pale Fusils which was the Coat of the Priory of Norton and is found frequently in the Windows of Norton And in the middle between these two Coats of Arms in a Flat is
one half of Gropenhale should revert to the Heirs of Sir John and the other half to the Heirs of Joan. Lib. C. fol. 242. v. fol. 290. a. Sir John Daniell had Issue by Joan a Daughter and Heir called Nicolaa Mother of Margaret Wife of Alan de Rixton in Lancashire which Margaret dying without Issue 6 Rich. 2. Margaret the Wife of John Savage of Clifton Daughter and Heir of Sir Thomas Daniell of Bradley the younger elder Brother of the said Sir John Daniell had the Purpart of the said Lands as one of the Heirs of Margaret late Wife of Alan de Rixton 9 Rich. 2. And Thomas Boydell Son of William sir-named Boydell Son of Howell Son of Margaret Sister of Joan Mother of Nicolaa was the other Heir Lib. C. fol. 290. c. whose Land was after divided as anon shall appear Margaret Wife of John Savage afterwards married Piers Legh of Maxfield 1388. 12 Rich. 2. younger Son of Robert Legh of Adlington and she gave unto Peter Legh of Lyme her Son the Moiety of Gropenhale 4 Hen. 4. in her Widowhood which she had as Heir to Margaret late Wife of Alan de Rixton from whom the Leghs of Lime now Lord of the moiety of Gropenhale 1666. Lib. C. fol. 290. d. The Originals Penes Legh of Lime The other Moiety of Gropenhale descending to Thomas Boydell aforesaid Ex Chartulis Merbury de Merbury juxta Great Budworth came to the Part of Hugh Reddish of Caterich younger Son of Reddish of Reddish in Lancashire in Right of Margaret his Wife Daughter and Co-heir of Thomas Boydell by Partition made of all Thomas Boydell's Lands 5 Hen. 5. Lib. C. fol. 282. I. Isabell the other Daughter and Co-heir of Thomas Boydell married John Alburgham whose Son Gilbert had also two Daughters and Heirs Constance Wife of Henry Byrom of Byrom in Lancashire and Isabel Wife of James Holte 3 Hen. 7. The Part belonging to Reddish of Caterich came to William Merbury of Merbury Esq in Right of Maud his Wife Daughter and Heir of Thomas Reddish of Caterich in Gropenhale Anno 1556. Lib. C. fol. 284. P. whose Heirs have ever since enjoyed the same to this present 1666. In this Township hath been anciently and yet is a Parish-Church Dedicated to St. Wilfrid whose Feast of Dedication was usually Celebrated the twelfth day of October yearly and hath onely two Townships in its Parish to wit  The Mize  l. s. d. Gropenhale 00 14 00 Lachford 00 10 00  01 04 00 I find Gropenhale Church was a Rectory in the Reign of Henry the Third Lib. C. fol. 283. x. and had then the Boydells of Dodleston for its Patron who were Lords of Gropenhale and Lachford both But now Byrom of Byrom in Lancashire hath the Advowson hereof 1666. Sir William Boydell of Dodleston built a Chappel in this Church wherein William Boydell his Son and Heir swore to find an honest Chaplain to pray for the Souls of the said Sir William and Nicolaa his Wife for evermore 8 Edw. 3. 1334. She was Daughter of William de Doncaster Lib. C. fol. 285. d. e. Charterers now in Gropenhale 1666. 1. John Middlehurst 2. William Morris of Gropenhale 3. Richard Davys 4. Thomas Blackborne of Lachford now hath got half of Davys's Land Hale THis Township of Hale was held by Hamon Massy in the Conqueror's Time as appears by Doomsday-book So that it is anciently of the Fee of the Barons of Dunham-Massy In this Town were Seated the Massies of Hale anciently who were propagated Originally out of the Massies of Dunham-Massy which Family continued for many Ages but is now extinct 3 Hen. 4. there were fourteen Free-holders or Charterers in Hale At this day 1666. there are twenty three Free-holders The Lord Delamere is now Chief Lord of the one Moiety of Hale and John Crew of Crew Esquire is Chief Lord of the other Moiety Here is a Hamlet in Hale called Ringey wherein is situated a Chappel of Ease called Ringey-Chappel within the Parish of Bowdon of which I have little to say save that it was much frequented in the late War by Schismatical Ministers and as it were a Receptacle for Non-Conformists in which dissolute Times every Pragmatical Illiterate Person as the Humor served him stepp'd into the Pulpit without any Lawful Calling thereunto or Licence of Authority Halton THis Town in common Pronunciation is called Hauton and is as much as A Town upon a Hill for Hawe and Howe is an old English word for A Hill Howbeit in our Norman way of Writing it is usually written Halton in Doomsday-book it is written Heletune Here is yearly a Fair kept on the Feast of the Nativity of St. Mary which is the eighth day of September and hath been very anciently for I find it mentioned in an Old Deed made towards the latter end of the Reign of Henry the Third Lib. C. fol. 164. b. It is now a poor Town or Village and the Inhabitants that have any Lands of Inheritance there are all Copy-holders to the King as Baron of Halton save two small Cottages now 1666. in possession of John Jackson and Richard Jennings which are of the Fee of St. John of Hierusalem The Castle was built by the Barons of Halton presently after the Norman Conquest and by degrees Repaired and Enlarged who being Seated here flourished for a long time and were Constables of Cheshire in Fee that is to them and their Heirs by Descent as it were after the manner of Lord High Constables of England so were the Barons of Halton to the Earls of Chester and in their Ancient Charters did always stile themselves by the Title of Constabularius Cestriae Constables of Cheshire and were the Highest in Place and Dignity next to the Earl himself and above all the other Barons of Cheshire In the Reign of Henry the Third their Posterity became Earls of Lincoln And upon the Death of Henry Lacy Earl of Lincoln 1310. all his Lands and Honors came to the Earl of Lancaster with Alice his Daughter and Heir in Marriage And at last Henry of Bolingbroke Son of John of Gaunt Duke of Lancaster was so Great a Subject and so Popular that he drew unto his Part most of the Nobility of England and thereby most Traiterously and Rebelliously Deposed Richard the Second and made himself King of England by the Name of Henry the Fourth So was the Barony of Halton annexed to the Crown All which will better appear by the following History of these Eminent Barons of Halton till this Barony came to the Crown In this Town of Halton was formerly a Chappel of Ease within the Parish of Runcorne situated near to the Castle as I well remember the same 1625. But it is now totally in decay 1666. Barons of Halton This Nigell if we may believe Pecham in his Compleat Gentleman pag. 189. was the Son of Ivo Vice-Comes or Governor of Constantia in Normandy by Emme Sister to Adam Earl of Bretagne
Abbati atque Monachis de Stanlawe ad construendam Abbathiam Ordinis Cisterciensis ipsum locum Stanlawe quem mutato nomine benedictum locum vocari volumus Villam unam quae vocatur Stanney alteram Villam quae vocatur Maurice-Aston cùm omnibus pertinentiis liberas quietas ab omni terreno Servitio Seculari exactione pro salute Animae meae Patris mei Matris meae Uxoris meae omnium Antecessorum Haeredum meorum in puram perpetuam Elemosynam Concessi quoquè eis in perpetuam Elemosynam quietantiam Tolnei in emptione venditione omnium rerum suarum per totam terram meam necnòn quietantiam Tolnei de proprio Blado suo in Molendinis meis Dedi etià m eis Messuagium unum in Villâ Cestriae cùm omnibus Aedificiis suis quod habui juxtà Ecclesiam Sancti Michaelis c. Et quandò ego Haeredes mei voluerimus in Domo praenominatâ Placita nostra tenebimus ad expensas nostras hospitabimus Anno ab Incarnatione Domini 1178. Hujus autèm Donationis testes sunt isti Robertus Decanus de Donington Nicolaus Parsona de Marnaham Radulfus Sacerdos de Sallowe Simon Sacerdos de Eston Gregorius Sacerdos de Castello Galfridus Monachus de Parco Simon Monachus de Combermere Henricus Bysset Johannes de Danvillâ Martinus Angevinus Hugo de Dutton Johannes Filius Thurstani c. Lib. C. fol. 62. a. Also Witnesses Ricardus Fitton Willielmus Filius Ricardi Robertus Venator Adam de Dutton Hugo ejus Frater c. Apud Dodyngton This Abby was after Translated to Whalley in Lancashire 1296. This John Constable of Cheshire gave all Hield in Aston nigh Great Budworth to Methroso Punterling rendring a Welsh Lance yearly on St. Bartholomew's day M. num 1. which at this day belongs to Leycester of Tabley He married Alice Sister of William Mandevyle by whom he had Issue Roger Constable of Cheshire who assumed the Sir-name of Lacy Eustace sir-named De Cester Richard de Cester to whom his Brother Roger gave the Town of Moore in Cheshire and after Richard became a Leper and was buried at Norton Geffrey another Son Peter another Son Alice a Daughter Lib. C. fol. 85. b. fol. 62. b. c. d. Anno Domini 1181. John Constable of Cheshire and Richard Peche Bishop of Coventry and Lichfield were appointed Governors of Ireland and sent to keep Dublin which Hugh de Lacy kept For Hugh de Lacy was sent for into England by King Henry the Second with whom the King was much displeased because he had married the Daughter of the King of Connaught without the Licence of Henry the Second Hoveden pag. 611. Also Giraldus and Hollinshed This John Constable of Cheshire had a Clerk called William an excellent Astrologer who in the Year 1186. writ of the Conjunction of the Planets that Year whose Words and Opinion thereon you may read in Hoveden pag. 624. John Constable of Cheshire died at Tyre in the Land of Jerusalem Obiit 1190 Anno Dom. 1190. 2 Rich. 1. Hoveden pag. 685. VII Roger Lacy Constable of Cheshire Son and Heir of John succeeded his Father and was the Seventh Baron of Halton He was sir-named Hell for his fierce and magnanimous Spirit He is the first of the Barons of Halton who assumed the Sir-name of Lacy which Name he retained after the Possessions of Robert Lacy of Pomfret Castle in Yorkshire accrewed to him which Robert Lacy died Anno Domini 1194. and in the Year following a Fine was Levied at Winchester between this Roger Constable and Awbrey his Grandmother wherein she settles on him the great Inheritance which belonged to Robert Lacy in these words 5 Rich. 1. 1194. Haec est finalis Concordia facta in Curiâ Domini Regis apud Wintonam 21 die Aprilis Anno Regni Domini Regis Ricardi Quinto corà m Domino Rege Huberto Cantuariensi Archiepiscopo Willielmo Eliensi Episcopo Domini Regis Cancellario Hugone Dunelmensi G. Roffensi Episcopis Willielmo de Sanctae Mariae Ecclesiâ Ranulpho Comite Cestriae Comite R. le Bigot Willielmo Mareschallo Gaufrido Filio Petri Hugone Bard aliis fidelibus Domini Regis qui tùnc ibi aderant Inter Albreiam de Lisores Rogerum Constabularium Cestriae Nepotem * Nepos here signifies a Grandson as properly the Word ought but very frequently in old Deeds it is used for a Nephew suum de totâ Terrâ quae fuit Roberti de Lasci Undè placitum fuit intèr eos in Curiâ Domini Regis scilicèt quòd praedicta Albreia Haeredes sui quietum clamaverunt praedicto Rogero Haeredibus suis totam praenominatam terram quae fuit Roberti de Lascy Et praedictus Rogerus concessit praedictae Albred quòd teneat totam Terram quae fuit Roberti de Lisores Patris ipsius Albred sinè aliquo retenemento totâ vitâ suâ benè in pace per servitium quod ad illam Terram pertinet scilicèt Servitium Feodorum octo Militum Et post decessum suum Willielmus Filius praefatae Albred He was Son of Awbrey by William Fitz-Williams Haeredes sui Terram illam tenebunt liberè quietè per praedictum Servitium de praedicto Rogero Haeredibus suis in Feodo Haereditate Praetereà praefatus Rogerus dedit praedictae Albred viginti Libratas Terrae in Bardinton quas ipsa Albred totâ vitâ suâ tenebit quietas ab omni Servitio post decessum suum Willielmus Filius suus Haeredes sui eandem terram tenebunt de praedicto Rogero Haeredibus suis in Feodo Haereditate per Servitium Feodi unius Militis Et pro Concessione harum viginti Libratarum Terrae praedicta Albred continuò deliberavit quietam clamavit praedicto Rogero Villam de Hauton in Lindeseiâ cùm omnibus pertinentis suis quam in Dotem tenuerat Couchir-Book in the Dutchy-Office at Grays-Inn Tom. 2. Honor sivè Soca de Bolingbroke num 1 pag. 110. Lib. C. fol. 64. g. This Roger is ranked by Hoveden pag. 783. as the most eminent Baron of the Realm and next after the Earls among those Great Persons whom King John most doubted and required to swear Fealty to him by his Commissioners Anno Domini 1199. upon the death of Richard the First which they did upon Condition that every of them should have their Lands restored And the King restored unto Roger Lacy his Castle of Pomfret having first received his Son and Heir for a Pledge Hoveden pag. 794. put out with other Authors by Sir Henry Savil 1601. He was one of those whom King John employed for the Safe Conduct of the King of Scotland unto the Court of England when the King of Scotland did Homage to the King of England at Lincoln presently after the Coronation of King John sub Anno Domini 1200. Hoveden pag. 811. And Roger Lacy is there again put down the first of all the Barons
Lib. C. fol. 153. c. about the end of King John's Reign So that the Duttons of Dutton were possessed of Weston since the Conqueror's time to this present 1666. Onely some small Parcel thereof Hugh Dutton Purchased out in the Reign of King John or thereabouts Charterers in Weston 1666. onely one Richard Heath of Weston Nether-Whitley THis Town of Nether-Whitley is originally of the Fee of Halton since the Norman Conquest Randle Earl of Chester sirnamed Blundevill gave it to Alfred de Combre about the Reign of Richard the First Scilicet Witeleiam cum omnibus Pertinentiis suis in Haltonshire eam illi admensuravi ad Servitium dimidii Militis donec viderim aut Audierim quod possit pati Ea propter volo firmiter praecipio quod ipse Alvredus haeredes sui praedictam terram teneant de me haeredibus meis bene honorifice per admensuratum Servitium in Villa extra in foro Mercato in bosco plano in Sok Sak Toll Teme Infangtheife cum omnibus aliis Consuetudinibus libertatibus Testibus Radulfo Abbate Cestriae Warino de Vernon Ricardo Pincerna Thurstano Bannaster Willielmo Bar Willielmo Capellano Apud Braham The Copy of this Deed I had from Will. Vernon I find in the Pedegree of Touchet in the Book of Pedegrees by John Booth late of Twamlowe that this Alvred was Son of Reginald de Cumbrey Lord of Leigh-Cumber in Shropshire and that Roger Son of Alfred had two Daughters and Heirs Alice married to Sir Robert Touchet Lord of Buglawton and Tattenhale and Agnes married to Adam de Dutton younger Son of Hugh Dutton of Dutton and Ancestor to the Warburtons of Arley Sed quaere concerning Alice Sure I am that Thomas Tuschet was Lord of Nether-Whitley in the Reign of Henry the Third as appears by the original Deed of Grimsdich in Nether-Whitley now in possession of Grimsdich of Grimsdich 1666. Lib. C. fol. 189. f. in these words SCiant omnes praesentes futuri quod ego Thomas Tuschet dedi Adae Filio Hugonis de Grimsdich pro Homagio Servitio suo totam Terram de Grimsdich pertinentem ad Villam de Witelegh cum metis divisionibus suis Tenendum illi haeredibus suis cum Communia Pastura in omnibus locis Aysiamentis praedictae terrae pertinentibus Et cum libertate Cariagii scilicet dé mortuo bosco in nemore de Witelegh cum una Quadriga vel cum uno Plaustro Et cum acquietantia Pasnagii in praedicto loco de Nether-Witelegh Scilicet ad Porcos suos in praedicta Villa nutritos Reddendo annuatim de praedicta terra mihi haeredibus meis tres solidos Argenti Scilicet octodecem denarios in Nativitate Sancti Johannis Baptistae octodecem denarios in Festo Sancti Martini pro omnibus Servitiis Testibus Galfrido de Dutton Hugone de Dutton Thoma de Orreby Gralam de Lostock c. And in the Feodary of Halton under Edward the Second Dominus Robertus Touchet tenet Villam de Whitley inferiore pro tertia parte unius Feodi Militis alii legunt pro medietate unius Feodi Militis Here have the Touchets of Nether-Whitley continued their Seat since King John's time to this day 1666. Out of this Family branched out the Touchets Barons de Audley saith Cambden Charterers in Nether-Whitley 1666. 1. Grimsdich of Grimsdich an ancient Family of Gentlemen seated here at Grimsdich in Nether-Whitley in the Reign of Henry the Third and continuing at this day 1666. 2. Allen of Green-Hill in Nether-Whitley 3. Henry Manwaring of Carincham Esquire a Tenement in possession of one Whitakers 4. Mr. Bressy of Buckley hath one Tenement in Nether-Whitley now in possession of Hugh Gandy 1666. 5. Mr. Eaton of Ireland hath another Tenement in possession of Thomas Deusbery 6. Doctor Bentley of Northwich hath about three or four Acres in Nether-Whitley In this Township is a Chappel of Ease called Whitley-Chappel within the Parish of Great-Budworth This Chappel was built anew but upon an old Foundation by Thomas Tuschet late of Nether-Whitley Esq about sixty years ago at his own Cost whereunto one Thomas Pierson Minister of Brampton in Herefordshire born at Weverham in Cheshire and brought up at Mr. Touchet's of Nether-Whitley did by Will dated the 15. of October 1633. give two hundred and fifty Pounds toward the maintaining of a Minister at this Chappel and fifty Pounds more to the maintaining of a Minister at Witton Chappel There belongeth also to Whitley Chappel Land lying in Anterbus in Over-Whitley of the yearly value of 03 l. 10 s. 00 d. purchased about the year 1631. with Moneys given by Thomas Legh Richard Kelsall of Dutton and Tho. Saunders of Clatterwigge Over-Whitley OVer-Whitley is a great Township comprehending the Hamlets of Norcot Anterbus Middle-Walke Seaven-Oakes and Crowley within the same It is commonly called by the Neighborhood The Lordship and is of the Fee of Halton-Castle from the time of the Conqueror Formerly this Town was Copy-hold Land to the Baron of Halton until the same was bought out into Fee-Farm by Fealty and Suit of Court to Halton and not to be held in Capite nor Knight-Service The King's Charter is dated the 17. day of December 1612. 10 Jacobi remaining now in the custody of Richard Peacock of Over-Whitley Anno Christi 1666. Lib. C. fol. 277 278. The Purchasers from the King were Thomas Merbury of Merbury Esq John Grimsdich of Grimsdich Gent. Thomas Gregge of Bradley in Appleton Gent. and Hugh Crosby of Over-Whitley Gent. who sold to every man his own Land So now they be all Fee-Farmers in Over-Whitley the Town being scattered into sundry parcels of Free-holds of Inheritance in Fee-Farm save onely these following who are ancient Free-holders and not Fee-Farmers for some Parcels 1. Robert Venables of Anterbus Esquire 2. Sir George Warburton of Arley Baronet 3. Thomas Merbury of Merbury nigh Comberbach Esquire 4. Grimsdich of Grimsdich in Nether-Whitley hath some ancient Free-hold Land in Over-Whitley Winsham THis Township in Dooms-day Book is written Wimundesham and was held by Gilbert Venables Baron of Kinderton under Hugh Earl of Chester sirnamed Lupus in the Reign of William the Conqueror which formerly was held by one Dott liber homo fuit In old Deeds it is written Wimingham but now usually called and written Wincham or Winsham Ex Chartulis Willielmi Harcourt de Winsham 1666. William Venables of Kinderton gave unto Maude his Sister in Marriage about the Reign of Richard the First Winsham and half of Pickmere Faciendo Servitium dimidii militis de forinseco Servitio Lib. B. pag. 50. a. This Maude de Venables gave the Manor of Winsham infra villam extra unam Carucatam terrae cum pertinentiis in Twambroke cum medietate bosci de Alreschagh Communa Pasturae in Linwood unto Nicholas de Elets for the Service of half a Knights-Fee Lib.
Names were Duswall Griffith Huvall Jacob and Judethil or Inchil Malmesbury pag. 56. Huntington pag. 356. and Hoveden pag. 426. He Reigned 16 Years 13. Edward II. sirnamed The Martyr Son of Edgar was treacherously murthered by his Step-mother to make way for her Son Ethelred to succeed He Reigned 3 Years 14. Ethelred II. younger Son of Edgar was oppressed and broken by the Danes and to buy his own Peace was forc'd to pay them a yearly Sum of 10000 l. which at last was enhanced to 48000 l. This Tax was imposed on his Subjects and called Dane-geld but weary of this great Taxation he Plotted warily with his Subjects to kill all the Danes in their Beds which was put in Execution on the Eve of Saint Britius being the twelfth of November 1012 in the night-time But soon after Swane King of Denmark Landed Forces in England and forced Ethelred to flie out of England into Normandy He Reigned 38 years Ethelredus iste baptismum stercore foedavit 15. Edmund II. sirnamed Ironside Son of Ethelred having in vain attempted to recover the Kingdom at last divided it with Cnut or Canutus the Dane Son of Swane and not long after was this Edmund basely murthered 1017. This was the common Fame saith Malmesbury but Florentius and Hoveden tell us that he died at London about the Feast of Saint Andrew the Apostle He Reigned nine Months By the Counsel of Edrick de Streon Cnut banished Edwin Brother to Edmund Ironside and also Edward and Edmund Sons of King Edmund Ironside Edward sirnamed The Outlaw Son of Edmund Ironside had issue Edgar Atheling the right Heir of the Crown and Margaret Married to the third Malcolme King of Scotland and Christian a Nun of Ramsey in Huntingtonshire 1086. Simeon Dunelmensis Kings of England of the Danish Blood 1. Canutus or Cnut King of Denmark and Norway after the death of Edmund Ironside was sole King of England He Married Emme the Widow of King Ethelred and Daughter of Richard Duke of Normandy He Reigned 20 years 2. Harold Bastard Son of Cnut sirnamed Harfuger He Reigned four years 3. Canutus II. commonly called Hardy-Cnut the lawful Son of Cnut He Reigned two years The Saxon Blood restored 16. Edward III. sirnamed The Confessor Son of Ethelred II. by Emme Daughter of Richard Duke of Normandy and half Brother to Edmund Ironside and to Hardy-Cnut the Dane was now advanced to the Throne of England and the Danes utterly expelled the Countrey having tytannized here above 200 years whereof they Reigned onely 26 years He Reigned 24 years He was the first of the Kings of England who cured the Disease call'd The Kings Evil a Prerogative continuing hereditary to the Kings of England and after his Death he was Canonized for a Saint Dr. Heylins Cosmography pag. 318. Anno Chr. 1066 17. Harold Son of Godwin Earl of Kent was chosen King of England in the Nonage of Edgar Atheling Grandchild to Edmund Ironside and true Heir of the Kingdom he was Crowned the sixth of January 1065. He Reigned nine Months and eight days But before I pass farther I would remember you of one thing mentioned by Dr. Heylin how in memory of the joyful clearing of the Countrey from the cruel Danes in the time of Edward the Confessor the English did institute the Merriment of the annual Sports of Hock-Tide and from their barbarous stabbing of the English at the time of their Drinking to avoid such villany the Party who was to Drink requested some of the next to him to be his Pledge or Surety whilst he was Drinking and hence came our Custom of Pledging one another a Phrase used in time of Drinking even to this day Harold was slain in Battel the fourteenth of October 1066 by William Duke of Normandy upon which Victory William was Crowned King of England and so ceased the Rule of the Saxons Thus have I briefly run over the Saxon Kings of England out of the most authentick Historians so that putting all together if we reckon the coming in of the Saxons with Cambden to be in Anno Domini 428 to the time of the Norman Conquest and including the small time of the Rule of the Danish Kings in the Account the whole time of the Saxons Rule in England was 638 years CHAP. VI. Of the time of the Danes in England 1. ANno Domini 800. the Danes first arriv'd in England to wit in the Isle of Portland which belongeth to Dorsetshire Brithric being then King of the West-Saxons Stowe's Annals but were after driven out of the Land These Danes did much infest England for a long space burning Towns and Temples and making woful destruction Osbert and Ella Kings of Northumberland were slain at York by the Danes Anno 867. Matth. of Westminster And in Anno 870. the Danes under the Command of Hinguar and Hubba slew Edmund King of the East-Angles and so possessed themselves of that Kingdom Florentius Wigorniensis and Stowe And in Anno 874. the Danes forced Beorhred King of Mercia to flie out of England and after his Expulsion they possessed all the Kingdom of the Mercians Florentius Infinite other Battels of them we meet with so that now they had the Kingdoms of the Mercians and of the East-Angles and a great part of Northumberland And in the time of Ethelred King of England Anno Domini 991. the Tribute call'd Danegeld was first Collected to appease the fury of the Danes and their Depopulations which continued a long time after See Spelman's Glossary on the word Danegeldum Anno Domini 1012. on the twelfth of November at Night Anno Regni Ethelredi 35. the English to free themselves from the great Oppression of the Tax called Danegeld did by a general Conspiracy strangle all the Danes in their Beds Heylin's Cosmography pag. 317. To revenge which Fact Swane King of Denmark came into England with a Fleet of 350 Ships Anno 1013. and ceased not to spoil many parts of the Kingdom and at last so far prevailed and subdued England that Cnut his Son was made King thereof after the death of Edmund Ironside to wit Anno 1017. and Cnut and his Sons enjoyed the Crown 26 years to the Year 1043. and then was the Saxon Blood restored to the Crown in Edward the Confessor but alass soon after Edward's Death were both the Danes and Saxons conquered by William Duke of Normandy to wit Anno 1066. So that we see the Justice of God how he set the Danes as a Scourge to the Saxons who had so perfidiously and cruelly used the poor Brettans and at last were driven out of their Lands by the Normans as they before had driven out the Brettans 2. The whole time that the Danes so miserably afflicted the Saxons in England was 266 years if we reckon to the Norman Conquest from the first coming of them into England Anno Domini 800. but if we reckon to the time of Edward the Confessor sub Anno 1043. then it containeth onely 242 years But Matth.
of Westminster computeth onely from the beginning of King Ethelwolfe's Reign to the Norman Conquest which I wonder at since the same Author tells us that in Anno 800. the Danes spoiled Tinmouth Church and after they had Robbed thereabouts they returned with their Spoils and besides he tells us of several Battels in England between King Egbert and the Danes But his words are these pag. 302. Misit ergò eis Deus Omnipotens Gentes Paganas crudelissimas velut Apum Examina quae nè quidem Sexui muliebri aut Parvulorum parceret aetati Danos scilicet Norwegenses Gothos Swathedos Vandalos Frisios qui ab exordio Regis Ethelwolfi supradicti usque ad Normannorum Adventum per annos fermè 230 terram hanc peccatricem à mari usquè ad mare ab homine usquè ad Pecus deleverunt non eam possidere subjugare sed praedari ac perdere satagebant So that there was a long time of intermixture with various Nations and sorts of People Cambden saith That the Name of Danes was not known to the World before the time of Justinian the Emperor about the Year of Christ 570. Tunc enim Galliam vastare caeperunt Rerum Anglicarum Latinis Historicis Wiccingi dicti sunt Wiccinga Saxonicè Piratam denotat Cambden's Britannia pag. 101. And Dudo Sancti Quinti Decanus saith That out of Scanza that is Scandia the Danes Getes or Gothes Amarobii Tragoditae Alani Sarmatae came out like Swarms of Bees Lib. 1. sub initio Also Gemeticensis lib. 1. cap. 2. CHAP. VII Of the coming of the Normans into England and whence they are descended 1. THe Normans invaded England Anno Domini 1066. when William sirnamed The Bastard Duke of Normandy commonly called William the Conqueror Landed with a great Army at Pemsey near Hastings in Sussex and overcame Harold King of England in Battel which was fought the fourteenth day of October being Saturday Anno Domini 1066. about nine Miles from Hastings in Sussex upon which Victory the English submitted to him And in the Race of the Norman Blood hath the Kingdom of England since continued to this day 1670. by Maude the Empress Daughter and Heir to King Henry I. and Wife of Geffrey Planagenet Earl of Anjou in France Married to him Anno Domini 1127. Mother of King Henry the Second from whom the succeeding Kings are descended The English continued their native Language notwithstanding the great and long commixture with the Normans but much altered since Chaucer's time who lived under King Richard the Second especially since Henry the Eighth's time downward it is so intermingled with Latine besides some old words retained from the Norman-French anciently that it is now become a new Language and much of the ancient English Tongue quite lost and perish'd and daily in our Age creep in many Latine and French words to the utter decay of the English Tongue The Conqueror gave away the Lands of the English to his Friends and Soldiers who assisted him in the Conquest some few he suffered to enâ—oy their own Estates and but very few Most of the ancient Gentry now in England of great and ancient Estates are Descended from the Normans who came into England with the Conqueror yet doubtless are there many of the Saxon Blood now remaining and by reason of a long intermixture by intermarrying one with another have incorporated our Nation into a Hotchpot of several Nations for the Normans themselves were a People intermingled of Norwegians Swedes and Danes It is observed of the People of England that they are so naturally given to Faction and Rebellion that since the Norman Conquest we scarcely read of any of our Kings to this day who have not met with the disturbance of some rebellious and treasonable Practises of their own Subjects and that in open Arms too King James onely excepted and yet he wanted not a Gunpowder Treason miraculously discovered and prevented Anno 1605. nor a Gowries Conspiracy in Scotland 1600. and his Son King Charles the First most miserably murthered in our Days by his own Subjects through the Puritan Factions in England Anno 1648. the thirtieth day of January A short Table of the Norman Kings and when they began their Reigns Anno Chr. 1066. 1. William the Conqueror Bastard-Son of Robert Duke of Normandy by one Arlet a Skinner's Daughter of Faloys in Normandy He caused Domes-day Book to be made which was begun and finished between the fourteenth and twentieth Year of his Reign He died the ninth day of September aged 64 Years Anno Domini 1087. He Reigned 20 Years 10 Months and 26 Days 2. William sirnamed Rufus third Son of William the Conqueror succeeded in the Kingdom of England Robert the eldest Son was Duke of Normandy William Rufus died secundo die Augusti 1100. in the thirteenth Year of his Reign being slain with an Arrow which was shot by Sir Walter Tirrel a Frenchman at a Deer in New-Forrest in Hampshire and hitting a Bough of a Tree glanced aside and hit the King He Reigned 12 Years 11 Months ferè 3. Henry for his Learning sirnamed Beauclerk the fourth Son of the Conqueror but the third Son that lived to be a Man and younger Brother to William Rufus in the absence of Robert Duke of Normandy his eldest Brother then in the Holy Land succeeded King of England and afterwards took from his Brother Robert the Dukedom of Normandy also he died primo die Decembris 1135. He Reigned 35 Years and four Months 4. Stephen second Son of Stephen Earl of Blois by Adela Daughter of William the Conqueror usurped the Kingdom of England and was in continual War with Maude the Empress he died the twenty fifth day of October 1154. He Reigned 18 Years 10 Months and odd Days 5. Henry II. Son of Geffrey Plantagenet Earl of Anjou in France by Maude the Empress Daughter and sole Heir of Henry I. King of England he added to the English Empire Anjou Touraine and Main which were his Fathers and also the Dutchy of Aquitain and the Earldom of Poictu by Elianor his Wife and conquered Ireland he died the sixth day of July 1189. aged 61 Years He Reigned 34 Years and 9 Months wanting 18 Days 6. Richard I. Son of Henry II. sirnamed Ceur de Lyon Warred in the Holy Land and in his return was taken Prisoner in the Dominions of the Duke of Austria He was slain at the Siege of the Battel of Chaluz in the Province of Limoges in France and died of his Wound the sixth day of April 1199. He Reigned 9 Years and 9 Months Anno Chr. 1199. 7. John Brother to Richard I. lost Normandy Aquitaine and Angeau to the French 1204. He died the 19 of October 1216. at the age of 51 Years He Reigned 17 Years and 6 Months 8. Henry III. Son of King John was but nine Years old when he was Crowned He died the 16 of November 1272. aged 65 Years He reigned 56 Years
reigned 44 Years 4 Months and 7 Days The Scotch Line Kings and Monarchs of all Great-Brettaine and Ireland 24. James VI. King of Scotland Son of Mary Queen of Scots Anno Chr. 1602. Daughter and Heir of James V. Son of James IV. and of the Lady Margaret eldest Daughter of Henry the Seventh King of England was Proclaimed King of England in London March 24. 1602. as the next undoubted Heir to the Crown of England A Learned and Religious Prince of whom the Lord Bacon saith in his Advancement of Learning pa. 2. It is no Amplification but a positive and measured Truth That there was not so Learned a Temporal Monarch since Christ 's time in all Literature Divine and Humane as this King James Of whom see more in Scotland He died at Theobalds the 27 of March 1625. aged 60 Years He was the first Monarch of all Great-Brettaine He Reigned 22 Years and 3 Days 25. Charles I. Son of James VI. of Scotland was overpowred by the Puritanical Faction in England confederate with the Covenanters of Scotland who began their Rebellion in England Anno 1642. which continued by the Assistance of the Rebellious Parliament of England until the Year 1660. miserably ruinating both our Church and State And these Rebels murthered this Good King the 30 day of January 1648. in the 49 Year of his Age and banished his Children He Reigned 23 Years 10 Months and 3 Days 26. Charles II. Son of Charles I. was kept out of his Kingdoms till after the death of Oliver Cromwel the Traytor stiled the Protector but was after Restored and Returned to his Kingdoms the 29 day of May Anno Domini 1660. chiefly next under God who disposeth and ordereth the Hearts of all Men by the Assistance of Colonel George Monk who then had the Command of all the Forces in Scotland and England Principally and was afterwards made Duke of Albemarle by this King as well he deserved Of the Dukes of Normandy before William the Conqueror II. THe Dukes of Normandy from whence our Norman Kings of England aforesaid are descended are the Progeny of Rollo the Dane who invaded the Province of Neustria in France with a great Army which because they consisted of Men brought out of the North part of the World they were called Normans and that Province of France was called Normannia in Latin For in the Saxon Language of our Ancestors Normans denotes as much as Populi Septentrionales in the Latine And were a People as Cambden saith commixt of Norwegians Swedes and Danes 1. This Rollo took Baieux in Normandy by Storm and slew Berengarius Earl thereof and after married Popa Daughter of the said Berengarius on whom he begot William afterwards Duke of Normandy sirnamed Longespée because of the long Sword he used to wear And Rollo much perplexed the French by his daily Rapines over-running almost all France to Burgundy At last for the Mediation of a Peace Charles the Simple King of France gave unto him all the Land of Normandy from the River Epta to the Sea to be held by Homage from the Kings of France with Gista his Daughter in Marriage Popa his former Wife being now either dead or divorced Whereupon Rollo was Baptised by Franco Archbishop of Roan Anno Chr. 917. Anno Domini 912. And he was the first Duke of Normandy and died Anno Christi nati 917. Ordericus Vitalis lib. 3. ad initium Will. Gemeticensis lib. 2. cap. 12 17. 2. William sirnamed Longespée Duke of Normandy was Son of Rollo Slain Anno Christi 942. 3. Richard I. Duke of Normandy Son of William was but 10 Years old when his Father was slain He was Duke 54 Years 4. Anno 996. Richard II. Son of Richard I. by Gunnor first his Concubine and after his Wife Gemeticensis lib. 8. cap. 36. succeeded Duke of Normandy and was Duke 30 Years He had two Sons who succeeded Dukes one after another Richard and Robert besides other Children 5. Anno 1026. Richard III. Son of Richard II. succeeded Duke of Normandy and was Duke scarce a Year and a half 6. Anno 1028. Robert Brother to Richard III. succeeded Duke and after he had been Duke seven Years and a half he died at the City of Nice in Bithynia Anno 1035. 7. William Bastard Son of Robert by Arlet or Herlue as some write her a Skinners Daughter of Faloys in Normandy Chronicon Joh. Bromton pag. 910. a Child of eight Years of Age succeeded Duke of Normandy and was Duke 53 Years Ordericus lib. 3. in initio In the 32 Year of his Dukedom to wit Anno 1066. he Conquered England and is commonly called William the Conqueror Robert Curthose eldest Son of the Conqueror was after his Father also Duke of Normandy See the rest above pag. 32. among the Norman Kings of England ⚜ Normandy was lost to the French in the Reign of King John Anno 1204. Mat. Paris pag. 212. Normandy won again from the French by Henry V. Anno 1416. Normandy lost again by Henry VI. Anno 1449. And so much of England OF VVALES CHAP. I. Of the Name of Wales and Description of the Countrey I. THe Name of Wales was imposed from our Saxon Ancestors For the Ancient Brettans being beaten out of England by the Saxons fled into the West Parts of Brettaine being naturally fortified with great Mountains and Overflowings of the Sea to wit into that Part now called Wales and into Cornwal But the Brettans of Cornwal though they stoutly endeavoured to defend their Country yet were they soon forced to leave it to the Saxons Cambden and Verstegan tell us That the Saxons termed all Aliens and Strangers Walsh And hence they called these Inhabitants because Strangers unto them by the name of Walsh-men and their Countrey Wales But more probable it is that forasmuch as they be descended from the ancient Gaules their Neighbors in Latin termed Galli by the French Galles which the Saxons pronounce Walles and from whence Walles-man and now corruptly Welsh-man it seems to me to be thence called Wales as one should say The Countrey of the Waules or Walles And in ancient Latin Authors it is many times stiled Guallia and the Inhabitants thereof Gualli and every Man knows how the Saxons in most Words do use W for G as War for Guerre Ward for Guard and the like And at this day the French stile the eldest Son of the King of England Le Prince de Galles The ancient Galli were called Cimbri or Kimbri undè Cambro-Britannia is used for Wales and Cambro-Britannus for a Welshman And ask these Cambro-Brittans or Welsh-Brittans how they call themselves they will presently tell you Kimeri or Kumeri which sounds as much as Kimbri or Kymbry now in Latin molded into Cambri Howsoever the Name came the Inhabitants of Wales at this day are the Remnant of the Ancient Brettans but not without great commixture of the English their Neighbors which must needs follow in so long a Tract
of time And yet have they preserved their Native Language but with some corruption of various Dialects For the Description of Wales it was anciently bounded from England with the Rivers of Dee and Severn all the rest of it almost is bounded with the Irish Seas But Offa the Puissant King of the Mercians in England drave the Brettans from the Rivers aforesaid and forced them up to the Mountains of Wales where he caused them to be divided from England by a very great Ditch called by the English Offa's Dike at this day This was about the Year since Christ's Birth 760. and it began at the River Dee by Basing-werk between Chester and Ruthlan and so ran along the sides of the Hills to the South Sea a little from Bristow reaching near a hundred Miles in length and is in many places yet to be seen The Countrey between it and England is commonly called by the Welsh Y Mars though the greatest part of it be now inhabited with Welshmen namely in North-Wales which yet keepeth the ancient Limits to the River Dee or Dwy and in some Places over it Powell on the Welsh History pag. 5. According to Cambden it was divided into these sorts of Inhabitants in the time of the Romans and before But this was long before it had the Name of Wales Silures Herefordshire Radnorshire Brecknockshire Monmouthshire Glamorganshire Dimetae Caermardenshire Pembrokeshire Cardiganshire Ordovices Montgomeryshire Merionethshire North-Wales Caernarvanshire North-Wales Isle of Anglesey North-Wales Denbighshire North-Wales Flintshire North-Wales About the Year of Christ 870. Roderik the Great then Prince of Wales divided it into three Parts or Territories which they called Kingdoms North-Wales 1. Guinedh in Latin Venedotia which the English call North-Wales comprehending the Counties of Merioneth Caernarvan The Isle of Môn or Anglesey and the greatest parts of Denbighshire and Flintshire This had as it were the Sovereignty of the other two whose Chief Seat was Aberfraw in Anglesey which little Island the Welsh call Yir-Môn that is The Land of Môn This Part Roderik gave to Anarawd his eldest Son Powys 2. Mathraval or Powys-land This Territory containeth all the Country of Powys and the Land between Wye and Severn to wit the whole Counties as they be now called of Montgomery Radnor and all Shropshire from Severn towards Wales and the rest of Denbighshire and Flintshire The chiefest Towns herein are St. Asaph Shrewsbury and Matraval This Territory Roderik gave to Mervin his third Son South-Wales 3. Deheubarth in Latin Dimetia which the English call South-Wales contained the Counties as we now call them of Monmouth Glamorgan Pembroke Caermarden Cardigan and Brecknock The Chief Seat was Caermarden after removed to Denevowr-Castle The Chief Towns thereof Caermarden Monmouth Landaff and St. David's in Pembrokeshire so called from St. David sometime Archbishop thereof the Metropolitan of Wales who removed the See from Caer-Leon upon Usk to this Place St. Davids is by the Welsh called Mynyw whence in Latin it is termed Menevia And this Part Roderik gave to Cadelh his second Son who after the death of Mervin his Brother took Powys-Land also to himself Of these three Parts Roderik had North-Wales in right of his Mother Esylht and Powys in right of his Grandmother Nest Daughter of Cadelh Prince of Powys and South-Wales he had as some say by his Wife Daughter and Heir of Meyric Prince of Cardigan Powell on the Welsh History pag. 35. CHAP. II. THe Counties of Wales as they now stand divided were apppointed out as followeth 1 Glamoganshire 2 Caermarthenshire 3 Pembrokeshire 4 Cardiganshire 5 Flintshire 6 Caernarvonshire 7 Anglesey 8 Merionethshire These Shires were newly appointed out Anno Domini 1283. 11 Edw. 1. saith Stow. In which Year Wales was totally subdued by Edw. 1. who built two strong Castles there one at Conwey the other at Caernarvon and then newly divided Wales into Shires and Hundreds 9 Monmouthshire 10 Radnorshire 11 Brecknockshire 12 Montgomeryshire 13 Denbighshire These five were appointed by the Statute of 27 Hen. 8. ca. 26. and also divers Dominions and Lordships in the Marches of Wales were then also annexed to Shropshire Herefordshire and Glocestershire And by the Statute aforesaid of 27 Hen. 8. cap. 26. Anno Domini 1535. the Dominion of Wales is from henceforth incorporated united and annexed to the Realm of England In the Statute of 34 Hen. 8. cap. 26. they are called The Twelve Shires of Wales because Monmouth was by the other Statute of 27 H. 8. subjected to the Chancery of England and to the Kings Judges at Westminster and therefore accounted among the Counties of England and not among the Counties of Wales And by the Statute of 34 35 Hen. 8. cap. 26. there is a President and Council appointed to the Principality of those 12 Shires of Wales And that the Judge of Chester for the time being shall keep Sessions twice every Year in the Shires of Denbigh Flint and Montgomery And that there be a Judge of North-Wales to keep Sessions twice every Year in the several Shires of Caernarvan Merioneth and Anglesey And another Judge in like manner for the Shires of Radnor Brecknock and Glamorgan And another Judge in like manner for the Shires of Caermarthen Pembroke and Cardigan It appears also by the same Statute that the King had lately granted Commissions out of the Chancery of England for the Limitations of the Hundreds lately made in the said Shires It is also to be remembred That by the Statute of 33 Hen. 8. cap. 13. the Honour of Hawarden-Castle with its Members to wit certain Villages in the Parish of Hawarden which formerly belonged to Broxton-Hundred in Cheshire were now laid to Flintshire by that Act of Parliament CHAP. III. THe Welshmen embraced the Reformation of Religion according to the Church of England in Doctrine Discipline and Worship the Liturgy whereof was by Queen Elizabeth's Command translated into the Welsh or British Tongue as the BIBLE also by an Act of Parliament 5 Eliz. 1563. But because that Church-Bible then set forth the Care whereof was committed to the Bishop of Hereford and the four Bishops of Wales was of a large Bulk it was reduced into a more portable Volume in the beginning of the Reign of King Charles the First at the Charge of Rowland Heylyn Alderman of London who caused also a Welsh Dictionary to be Printed Dr. Heylyn's Cosmography pag. 323. CHAP. IV. I Come now to the Ancient Descent of the Brettans and Welsh I have before spoken something hereunto concerning the Ancient Inhabitants of Brettaine when I treated of England cap. 1. sect 5. a Supra pag. 10. I have now to add That in the first place I must crave leave to note the ridiculous and fabulous Story and Descent of Brute with the long Series of Kings downwards from him to Cassibelaun to the number of 70 in a direct Line Which Brute these Brettans would have to live when Eli Judged the People
Spelman's Counsels pag. 34. with his Notes thereon whereby the Letter seems to be fictitious This Lucius King of the Brettans died Anno Gratiae 201 at Glocester saith Matth. Westminster So much of the British Kings whom I find mentioned during the time of the Rule of the Romans in Brettaine now follow the British Kings whom I find mentioned after the Rule of the Romans ceased in Brettaine and after the coming in of the Saxons Vortiger he was King of the Brettans when the Saxons first came into Brettaine he began his Reign Anno Christi 425. Cambden's Britannia pag. 95. Bede de Hist Ang. lib. 1. cap. 21. Spelman's Councels Tom. 1. pag. 49. where he placeth the Councel against the incestuous Marriage of Vortiger with his own Daughter in Anno 449. somewhat too late I conceive By the Wiles of this Vortiger was Constantine slain Homo nobilis domi clarus whom the Brettons made their King a Man of their own Stock and fetched from Little Brettaine in France So Buchanan Rerum Scoticarum lib. 5. pag. 139. Vortimer Son of Vortiger died Anno 463. with whom fell the hope of Brettaine Matth. Westminster Aurelius Conanus Vortipor Maglocunus Cuneglasus These Historians place to succeed one annother in their Rule when it is plain in Gildas who speaks to every one of them that they lived all at a time and tyrannized in divers and several parts of Brettaine at once Cambden's Britannia pag. 81. about the Year of Christ 550 or 560. Nazaleod the Great King of the Brettans routed by Cerdic the first King of the West-Saxons at Certicsford and 5000 Brettans slain Huntington pag. 312. which Countrey or Place was before called Nazaleod or as some write it Natanleod after the King's Name but after the Victory of Certic here it was called Certicsford now called contractedly Chartford situate in Hantshire Cambden's Britannia in Hantshire pag. 187. Vide Florentium pag. 206. Arthur Bellicosissimus Britonum Heros buried at Glassenbury Cambden's Britannia in Somersetshire of whom the Welsh Bards in their Songs have recorded such Fables that they have cast a doubt whether there were such a Man or no. Huntington calls him Dux militum Regum Britannia duodecies Dux Belli fuit duodecies victor contrà Saxones pag. 313. This famous General lived about Anno 520. Cambden saith he was called Mab-uter id est Filius horribilis quià à pueritiâ fuit horribilis Artur Britannicè sonat ursum horribilem In Britanniâ suâ pag. 167. He is called Inclitus Rex Arturius as it is Inscribed on his Stone found at Glassenbury Gerent King of Wales routed by Ina King of the West-Saxons Huntington pag. 337. Anno Regni Inae 21 annoque Christi circiter 710. He is the first that I find styled King of Wales in express terms Cadwallader the last King of the Britons Powel in his Notes upon the Welsh History Englished by Homfrey Lhoyd Printed 1584 pag. 8. saith That some do hold that Cadwallader and Cedwall are all one and that whom the Saxons call Cedwall who was King of the West-Saxons Anno 688 to 690. the Brittons called Cadwallader and whom the English Chronicles call Ine King of the West-Saxons the same is called Ivor in the the British or Welsh History And this Ivor the Brettaines call the Son of Alan King of Little-Brettaine-Armorik in France But the Saxons say he was the Son of Kentwyn King of the West-Saxons Cadwallader had a Son called Edwall Ywrch that is Edwall the Roe-Buck saith the Welsh History who was the Father of Roderic Pag. 23. So much of the petty Kings of the Britons as I find them mentioned in more substantial Authors during the time of the Power of the Saxons in England Now follow the Kings of the British Race since they were quite expelled out of England by the Saxons and driven into the Mountains of Wales and began to get Head again and herein I chiefly follow the Welsh History put out by Powel 1584. Anno Chr. 720. 1. Roderike or Roderi Son of Edwall Ywrch began his Reign over the Britons in Wales Anno 720. and obtained a Victory against Ethelred King of Westsex in Cornwall obiit 750. He Reigned 30 Years 2. Conan Tindaethwy Son of Roderik in the Year 817. chased his Brother Howel out of the Isle of Mon or Anglesey who fled into the Isle of Man and shortly after died Conan 3. Mervin Vrych and Esylht his Wife Daughter of Conan Anno 841 died Idwalhon a Nobleman of Wales and Anno 843 Mervin was slain as some do write in the Battel between Beorrhed King of Mercia and the Brettaines at Kettell leaving a Son called Roderi-Mawr that is Roderik the Great 4. Roderik Mawr that is Roderik the Great He divided Wales into three parts Northwales which he gave to Anarawd his eldest Son as the chief Prince Southwales which he gave to his second Son and Powysland which he gave to his third Son But Giraldus Cambrensis in his Descriptio Cambriae cap. 3. saith that Mervin was his eldest Son and had Northwales and Anarawd had Powysland who died without Issue 5. Anarawd Son of Roderik Prince of Wales Obiit 913. 6. Edwal Vowel Son of Anarawd King or Prince of Northwales He and his Brother Elise were slain in a Battel against the Danes and Englishmen He was Tributary to Athelstan King of England 7. Howel Dha Prince of Southwales and Powysland after the death of Edwal Vowel took upon him the Rule of all Wales He died Anno 948. and had four Sons Owen Run Roderik and Edwyn 8. Jevaf and Jago second and third Sons of Edwal Vowel Ruled Northwales and the Sons of Howel-Dha divided Southwales and Powyis betwixt them Anno 966. Jago imprisoned his Brother Jevaf Howel Son of Jevaf raiseth an Army to set his Father at liberty and chased his Uncle Jago out of the Land Howel had three Brothers Meyric Jevaf and Cadwalhon 9. Howel Son of Jevaf having expelled his Uncle took upon him the Rule of Northwales Anno 979. Edwal Vachan Son of Edwal Vowel was slain by this Howel his Nephew and Anno 984. Howel entring England with an Army was slain in Battel He had no Son but Cadwalhon his Brother Reigned in his place 10. Cadwalhon Brother of Howel was Prince of Northwales he first made War with Jonaval his Cosin the Son of Meyric and right Heir to the Land and slew him and the year following Meredith Son of Owen Prince of Southwales slew Cadwalhon in Fight with Meyric Brother of Cadwalhon also 11. Meredyth ap Owen now King of all Wales Godfryd Son of Harold entred the Isle of Anglesey the third time and having taken Lhywarch the Son of Owen with 2000 Prisoners cruelly put out his Eyes whereupon Meredyth the King with the rest escap'd to Cardigan Anno 987. died Jevaf Son of Edwal who had many years led a private Life also the same year died Owen Son of Howel Dha Prince of Southwales Anno
1108. King Henry the Frst with sundry Expeditions brought under the VVelshmen and sent all the Flemmings who came over into England when a great part of Flanders was drowned to inhabite in Ross in VVales where Penbrooke Tenby and Haverford are now built where they remain to this day as may appear by their Speech and Conditions far different from the rest of the Countrey VVelsh Hist pag. 163. Anno 1132. died Meredyth ap Blethyn Chief Ruler of Powys Anno 1137. died Griffith ap Rees ap Theodor Prince of South-VVales who had by his Wife Gwenlhiam Daughter of Griffith ap Conan Rees commonly called Lord Rees and others Anno 1137. towards the end of the Year died Griffith ap Conan Prince of North-VVales 20. Owen sirnamed Gwineth Son of Griffith ap Conan is made Prince of North-VVales and the Name of King is no further used in the British Book VVelsh Hist pag. 139. a With Powel's Notes Also pag. 6. Owen died Anno Domini 1169. after he had Reigned 32 Years 21. David ap Owen Prince of North-VVales assumed the Government because the eldest Son of Owen called Jorwerth Drwyndwn that is Edward with the Broken Nose was counted unmeet for Government Anno 1190. died Griffith Maylor Lord of Bromfield a Nobleman and a Wise man VVelsh History pag. 242. He was Lord of Bromfield Yale Hope-Dale Nanhewdwy Mochnant is Rhayard Chirke Cynlhayth and Glindoverdwy Ibidem pag. 211. This was part of Powys Vadoc Powys before Offa's time reached Eastward to the Rivers of Dee and Severn and had to Wife Angharat Daughter of Owen Guyneth Prince of North-VVales by whom he had a Son called Madoc who died 1236. leaving a Son called Griffith Pag. 293. Anno Chr. 1194. 22. Lhewelyn ap Jorwerth peaceably received all North-Wales to his Subjection He Married Joan base Daughter of John King of England by Agatha Daughter of William Ferrars Earl of Derby Anno 1206. Vincent upon Brooke pag. 204. Speed's History pag. 518. calls her Daughter of Robert Ferrers and had Issue two Sons Griffith and David and for Daughters he had Marret married to John de Bruse 1219. Welsh Hist pag. 279. and Gladys another Daughter married to Sir Rafe Mortimer Ibid. pag. 298. And it is certain he had another Daughter called Hellen married to John the Scot Earl of Huntington and afterwards Earl of Chester She was married about 1222. and this was for a Final Agreement and Peace between Randle Earl of Chester sirnamed Blundevill and this Lhewelyn Prince of North-Wales who before-time had many Conflicts and Wars one against the other Knighton pag. 2430. Matt. Paris pag. 380. See also my Antiquities touching Cheshire in this Book But Helen had no Issue by John Scot who saith Matt. Paris was consenting to the Poysoning of her Husband After she married Robert de Quency third Son of Saher de Quency Earl of Winchester Vincent upon Brooke's Catalogue of Nobility pag. 260. About the Reign of Henry the Second Crogen when he made a Voyage against the Welsh to the Mountains of Berwin as he lay at Oswestrey a number of his Men who were sent to try the Passages to have passed Offa's Ditch at the Castle of Crogen were met withal and slain The Englishmen afterwards used to cry Crogen to the Welsh as much as to say Remember Crogen that they should expect no favour from the English But this Word in process of time grew to be an opprobrious Word when the English would in disgrace call the Welsh Crogens Welsh Hist pag. 257 258. This Lhewelyn was a valiant Prince and brought all Wales to subjection He died tertio Idûs Aprilis scilicèt die Sancti Guthlaci Anno Christi 1240. Matt. Paris pag. 525. And having tamed Griffith his Son who rebelled against him he left the Principality of Wales unto David his younger Son He died in the 46 Year of his Reign and was buried at Conwey Welsh Hist pag. 298. 23. David younger Son of Lhewelyn Prince of North-Wales with all the Barons of Wales did Homage to King Henry the Third for all the Lands which they had in Wales Hist of Wales pag. 299. This David imprisoned Griffith his elder Brother alledging also that he was a Bastard Senana the Wife of Griffith Petitions the King of England for the Release of Griffith her Husband and Owen his Son who was imprisoned with his Father Henry the Third makes an Agreement with Senana dated 25 Hen. 3. 1241. and Roger de Monte alto High-Steward of Cheshire was a Surety or Pledge for Senana to observe the Agreement David consents to deliver Griffith and Owen his Son and to stand to the Judgment of King Henry's Court about Griffith's part of the Land and to restore to Roger de Monte alto all his Land of Moald in Flintshire And David acknowledgeth to hold his Lands of Wales of King Henry in Capite Matt. Paris pag. 624 625. Griffith is sent by David unto King Henry who imprisoned him in the Tower of London but Griffith endeavouring to make an Escape fell down and broke his Neck 1 die Martii 1244. Matt. Paris pag. 617. David Prince of Wales took the Castle of Mould by Storm 1245. Matt. Paris pag. 655. And after it was taken and razed to the Ground by Griffith ap Gwenwynwyn 1268. Welsh Hist pag. 326. Anno Chr. 1246. David died without Issue 1246. Matt. Paris pag. 695. 24. Lhewelyn ap Griffith ap Lhewelyn was the last Prince of Wales of the British Blood who with his Brother Owen Gogh divided the Principality between them Lhewelyn ap Griffith married Elianour Daughter of Simon de Montfort Earl of Leycester Anno 1279. 6 Edw. 1. the Marriage being Solemnized at Worcester at the Charge of the King of England Walsingham pag. 48. Welsh Hist pag. 336. Matthew of Westminster placeth it Anno 1278. I find mention of a Daughter he had for whom the King of England promiseth to provide honourably and to give Lhewelyn 1000 l. Sterling and some Honourable County in England if Lhewelyn would upon his Submission put the King in possession of Snowdon This was Anno 1281. upon a Treaty to be had Welsh History with Powel's Notes pag. 365. But what became of this Daughter I find not but her Mother Elianour was now dead This Treaty took no effect Obiit 1282 Concerning the Death of this Lhewelyn it is variously reported by our Historians Matt. of Westminster saith He was slain in the Battel betwixt the English and the Welsh Anno 1282. when Edmund de Mortuo mari rushing with others into the Army of Lhewelyn he was slain among other Welshmen and his Head cut off which was carried to London and set upon the top of the Tower of London With whom agreeth Walsingham who placeth the time one Year later The Welsh History pag. 374. saith That Lhewelyn retiring to a Grove near Buhelt or Buelht whiles some of the Welsh were sent to defend the Bridge called Pont Orewyn suddenly there
Daughter of Waltheof Earl of Northumberland and Widow of Simon Seintliz Earl of Northampton and Huntington Vincent upon Brooke pag. 367. By which Marriage he had the Counties of Northumberland and Huntington in England and by her had Issue Henry a Son who married Ada Sister of William Warren Earl of Surrey in England and half Sister by the Mother to Walleran Earl of Mellent in France and to Robert sirnamed Bossue Earl of Leycester in England Simon Dunelmensis sub Anno 1139. pag. 265. Henry had Issue by Ada Malcolme William Earl of Northumberland David Earl of Carricht in Scotland and of Huntington in England also Maude a Daughter But this Prince Henry died before his Father Anno Domini 1152. and Maude his Daughter also Anno Domini 1153. nono Calendas Junii died David King of Scotland Hoveden pag. 490. 24. Malcolme IV. Son of Henry and Grandson to David a Child of the Age of twelve Years succeeded King He resigned Northumberland to King Henry the Second of England Cumberland and Huntington being left to Malcolme Buchanan He died without Issue nono die Decembris 1165. in the 25 Year of his Age and 12 Year of his Reign and a little more Buchanan Hoveden pag. 496. 25. William Brother to Malcolme fetched Northumberland back again He married Ermengard Daughter of Richard Viscount de Beaumont Cosin to Henry the Second King of England scilicet Anno 1186. Hoveden And in Anno 1174. this William was taken Prisoner at Alnwick by Robert Stutevile Sheriff of York William de Vescy Randle Glanvill Bernard Baliol and others Hoveden pag. 538 539. Henry King of England restored unto him the Earldom of Huntington 1184. upon the death of Simon de Seintliz then Earl thereof and King William immediately conferred it on David his younger Brother Hoveden pag. 622. William did Homage to John King of England for his Lands in England at Lincoln Anno 1200. Hoveden Buchanan Fecit homagium de omni Jure suo and after swore Fealty to him Matth. Paris pag. 204. King William died Anno 1214. aged 74 Years Annoque Regni 49. Buchanan He had a Son by Ermengard called Alexander born Anno 1199. and another Son kill'd in his Infancy with his Nurse by an Inundation Buchanan pag. 232. He had also two Daughters Margaret and Isabel promised to the two Sons of King John when they should be marriageable Hollinshed But one of these Daughters afterward married the Earl of Flanders 1210. Knighton pag. 2420. 26. Alexander II. Son of William married Joan Sister to Henry the Third King of England 1221. Matt. Paris pag. 313. He demands Northumberland which King John promised him in Marriage with Joan his Daughter Matt. Paris pag. 432. He denieth that he holdeth any part of the Kingdom of Scotland from the Kings of England or that he either would or ought so to hold it This was Anno 1244. Joan his Queen dying in England Anno 1236. was buried in London And soon after for yet he had no Children he married Mary Daughter of Ingelram de Cuscy a Frenchman Anno 1239. by whom he had Issue Alexander a Son who succeeded his Father Buchanan and Matt. Paris pag. 638. Anno 1244. he makes a League with the King of England his Brother-in-Law wherein he acknowledgeth the King of England his Leige-Lord See the Charter in Matt. Paris pag. 646. This Alexander the Second died Anno 1249. Anno aetatis 51. Annoque Regni 35. Buchanan and Matt. Paris pag. 771. 27. Alexander III. Son of Alexander II. Crowned at Scone a Child not above eight Years old He was Knighted at York by Henry the Third Anno 1251. on Christmas day and the day after he married Margaret Daughter of the said King Henry Mat. Paris pag. 829. also Buchanan He did Homage to the King of England at that time for the Lands which he had in England but refused to do Homage for Scotland when it was tendred him according to the Custom of his Predecessors by the Testimony of Ancient Chronicles Robert Abbot of Fermelinodunum Chancellor to the King of Scotland was accused for Legitimating the Wife of Alan Durovart Bastard-daughter of Alexander the Second that so if the King should now die without Issue she might succeed as Heir Buchanan Henry King of England created this Alexander Earl of Huntington by Charter Anno 1256. to hold as freely as any of his Predecessors ever held the same Matt. Paris pag. 931. This Alexander overcame Acho King of Norwey in Battel 1263. and took the Isle of Man and all the Western Isles Buchanan He promised his Daughter Margaret yet but four Years old to Hangonan Son of Magnus King of Norwey to be his Wife when she was marriageable which it seems was performed afterwards for she had Issue by him a Daughter called also Margaret who died young about Anno 1291. Alexander in few Years being deprived of his Wife and all his Children did after marry Iolet Daughter of the Earl of Dreux Comitis Druidum but I find not that he had any Children by her for soon after within a Year to wit 14 Calendas Aprilis Anno 1285. he was killed by a fall from his Horse not far from Kingorne aged 45 Years Annoque Regni 37. Buchanan ⚜ Now Walsingham tells us Hist Edw. 1. pag. 54. That Alexander the Son of this King Alexander the Third died in his Father's life time And Buchanan saith That the young Alexander married the Earl of Flanders's Daughter and that Alexander the Third had another Son called David and a Daughter called Margaret but all died before the King So that now great strife did arise who should succeed King of Scotland Onely give me leave to observe here how Walsingham saith That the Daughter of the Earl of Flanders was second Wife of King Alexander the Third Wherein I believe he is mistaken for according to Buchanan she was the Wife of young Alexander his Son who died before his Father Here was now an Interregnum of six Years and nine Months in which time there were twelve Competitors to the Crown of Scotland who lay down their Claims in the Competition-Roll in the Tower mentioned by Vincent upon Brooke Title Huntington pag. 253 c. Which for brevity I shall give you here in a short Pedegree of the Kings of Scotland Malcolme III. sirnamed Cammoir King of Scotland slain 1093. See Malcolme's Pedegree in Imag. Histor by Radulphus de Di ceto pag 627. Margà ret Sister to Edgar Atheling Ordericus pag. 701 702. 1 Edward eldest Son slain with his Father 1093. 2 Edgar King of Scotland died without Issue 1107. 3 Alexander also King 1107. Obiit sine prole 1124. Melcofus a bastard Ordericus pag. 702. 4 David also King 1124 Obiit 1153 Maud Daughter of Waltheof Earl of Northumberland Another Son the eldest kill'd by a Varlet in his Nurses arms Ordericus pag. 702. Henry Prince of Scotland died before his Father viz. Anno 1152. Ada Sister to the third
back and the next Day it was surrendred to Dermot who gave Weshford with its Apurtenances to Robert Fitz-Stephen and to Maurice and to their Heirs according to his former Agreement and to Hervey de Mont-Morice he gave two Cantreds of Land lying after the Sea between Weshford and Waterford Girald Hib. Exp. l. 1. c. 3. The Annals of Ireland say That Fitz-Stephen entred Ireland Anno 1168. and that Strongbow followed 1169. with about 1200 Soldiers Landing at Waterford the 23. of August and on the 25. of August he took Waterford and there Eva the Daughter of Dermot was Married to Strongbow given by her Father But Roger Hoveden saith That Strongbow came into Ireland Anno 1168. and then Fitz-Stephen who went before him entred Ireland 1167. Thus Robert Fitz-Stephen prepared way for Earl Strongbow and Strongbow for the King of England to the Dominion of Ireland Weshford was the first Colony Planted by this Fitz-Stephen with the English in Ireland which to this day retains the ancient English Attire and much of their Language as a Badge of their Conquest and which by the Natives there is yet known and called by the Name of Weshford-Speach To Robert Fitz-Stephen and Milo Coggan King Hen. II. gave the Kingdom of Cork for the Service of 60 Knights Fees 1177. except the City of Cork with one Cantred which the King retained to himself and his Heirs Hoveden pag. 567. This Robert Fitz-Stephen was the onely Example of Valour and Industry one that had often tasted the various turnings of Fortune as well in Ireland as in Wales like Marius Secundus if you look back upon his Felicity none more prosperous and happy if upon his Misery none more unfortunate and miserable A Man of a large and sound Body of a comely Countenance of little more than a middle Stature sumptuous and plentiful in his Diet bountiful and pleasant but immoderately given to Wine and Women Giraldus Hib. Expug lib. 1. cap. 26. About Anno Christi 1165 or 1164. Rees ap Griffin Prince of Southwales Besieged Aber-Tivy Castle and took it and demolished the same where Robert Fitz-Stephen was taken Prisoner by Rees his Cosin-german and after three Years Imprisonment he was released by Rees upon Condition that he would joyn with Rees against the King of England But he chose rather to go into Ireland with Dermot than to be perfidious to his Prince Giraldus But Cambden in Cardiganshire saith he was released on Condition that he would relinquish his Right to his Lands in Wales He was the Son of Stephen High Constable of Southwales and Governor of Aber-Tivy that is Cardigan in Wales Cambden called Constable of Aber-Tivy in the Welsh History put out by Powel This Stephen Married Nest Daughter of Rees the Great Prince of Southwales and the Widow of Gerald of Windsor By Gerald she had Issue Maurice Fitz-Gerald a principal Assistant in the Conquest of Ireland By Stephen she had Issue this Robert Fitz-Stephen who had no lawful Issue by his Wife saith Giraldus Hib. Expug lib. 2. cap. 17. He then had a Bastard for Giraldus in another place lib. 1. cap. 40. makes mention of Radulfus Stephanidae filius who deserved very well for his Valour when O-Roric King of Meath was killed which O-Roric had like to have killed Hugh Lacy by Treachery This Rafe Son of Robert Fitz-Stephen was slain with his Father-in-law Milo de Coggan between Waterford and Lismore Anno 1179. by one Machtyrus treacherously Annales Hiberniae also Giraldus Hib. Expug lib. 2. cap. 18. Robert Fitz-Stephen had also another Bastard Son called Mereducius Giraldus ibidem IV. Maurice Fitz-Gerald another Assistant in the Conquest of Ireland a Man well modelled in Mind and Body of an innate Goodness of little Speech but full of weight circumspect in Dangers not rash but resolute when once resolved on by him a sober modest and chaste Man Valiant and Faithful not altogether without Faults yet without any notorious Crime He died at Weshford about August 1176. and had three Sons William the eldest Married Ellen Daughter of Earl Strongbow Giraldus another Son Alexander another Son and Nest a Daughter Married to Hervey Giraldus Hib. Expug lib. 1. cap. 42. cap. 23. lib. 2. cap. 5. cap. 15. V. Reymund another principal Person was Son of William Fitz-Gerald and Nephew to Maurice Fitz-Gerald and to Robert Fitz-Stephen by the eldest Brother He Married Basilia Sister of Earl Strongbow about the Year 1174. but had no Issue by her He was Constable to Strongbow to wit Praefectus Familiae The Governor or Lord Marshal of his Houshold Of a yellow Hair somewhat curling great Eyes grey and round a high Nose a chearful Countenance and good Complexion Provident and Prudent VI. John Curcy was a gallant Man at Arms. Ann. Dom. 1177. He was the first of all the English who subdued Ulster in Ireland Anno 1177 not till then subdued He Married Africa the Daughter of Gotred King of the Isle of Man It is observed of these four Props of Ireland Fitz-Stephen Hervey Reymund and this Curcy Girald Hib. Expug lib 2. cap. 17. that they had no Issue by their Wives Hoveden pag. 561. This John was the first Earl of Ulster and of the Family of the Curcyes of Stoke-Curcy in Somersetshire Cambden In the Year 1204. he had a great Battel at Down in Ireland with Hugh Lacy Son of the first Hugh and got the Day but afterwards by Treachery was delivered to Hugh Lacy who brought him to King John and the King gave the Earldom of Ulster and the Dominion of Connaught to the said Hugh Lacy Annales Hiberniae and Curcy never got his Right again It is said of this John Curcy that he should have fought a Duel for the King against the King of France's Champion but that Champion durst not meddle with him He strook his Sword through a Head-piece so deep into a Block that none could pull it out but himself Annales Hiberniae sub Anno 1204. put in the end of Cambden's Britannia after Ireland There were also some others as Robert le Poer the King's Marshal in Ireland to whom Henry the Second gave Waterford Town in custody with all the Apurtenances And he appointed all the Land between Waterford and the Water beyond Lismores and all the Land of Oiseric with its Apurtenances to belong to the Service of Waterford Hoveden pag. 567. And also afterwards at Marleberge the King gave to Philip de Breos all the Kingdom of Limrick for the Service of 60 Knights Fees for Herbert and William Brothers of Reginald Earl of Cornwal and Joslan de la Pumerai their Nephew would not have that Kingdom though given them before by the King because it was not yet gotten for Monoderus King of Limrick being slain by the English after he had sworn Fealty to the King of England there arose up another of his Progeny who would not submit because of the infidelity of the English also the King of Cork and
divers others of the better sort of the Irish rebelled against the King of England Hoveden pag. 567. Joh. Bromton pag. 1128. The Princes of Ireland who submitted to the Rule of the King of England Henry the Second Anno 1172. Chartis subsignatis Romam transmissis Cambd. Britan. pag. 731. ROtheric O-Conor-Dun Fuscus Hiberniae Monarcha Dermot Mac-Carty King of Cork Donald O-Bren King of Limrick O-Carel King of Uriel Mac-Shaglin Rex Ophaliae O-Roric King of Meath O-Nele King of Ulster and the chief Noblemen of them all Now followeth a Catalogue of all the Lord Deputies of Ireland CHAP. III. A Catalogue of the Chief Governors of Ireland under the Sovereignty of the Kings of England since the Conquest thereof by Henry the Second to the Year 1670. Stiled sometimes Lord Justices sometimes Lord Lieutenants sometimes Lord Deputies of Ireland Ann. Dom. 1171 HEnry the Second King of England landed at Croch in Ireland eight Miles from Waterford the 17 of October 1171. and staid there till Easter following In which space the Princes of Ireland submit and swore Fealty to him Roderik King of Connaught being as it were the Chief Head and Monarch of Ireland Hoveden and Giraldus The Conquest of Ireland was before prepared for him Anno 1168. by Richard Strongbow who then entred Ireland with his Forces and very victoriously winning one Place after another Hoveden The King of Connaught agreeth to hold all his Lands under the King of England Ut Rodericus sit Rex sub Henrico paratus ad Servitium suum and to pay him Tribute as the words of the Deed run which you may see at large in Hoveden's History or Annals bearing date in the Octaves of St. Michael 1175. made at the Parliament at Windsor in England 1. Hugh Lacy Lord Justice of Ireland 2. Richard Strongbow Lord Justice Obiit 1176. Hoveden 3. William Fitz-Aldelme Justice of Ireland Hoveden But Giraldus Hiber Expug lib. 2. cap. 15. saith Reymund was elected Governor of Ireland while Messengers were sent to the King of England to certifie him of Strongbow's death who forthwith sent William Fitz-Aldelme Procuratorem in Hiberniam joyning with him John Curcy Robert Fitz-Stephen and Milo de Coggan in Commission 4. Hugh Lacy again made Generalis Hiberniae Procurator Robert le Poer the King's Marshal being joyned as an Assistant to him which Robert was then Governor both of Waterford and Weshford Giraldus 5. John Lacy Constable of Cheshire and Baron of Halton with Richard Peche Bishop of Chester were sent into Ireland about the Calends of May 1181. and made Governors of Dublin for the King had sent for Hugh Lacy as jealous of his Strength and Power in Ireland having now married the Daughter of Roderik King of Connaught without the King of England's Licence first obtained Hoveden 6. Hugh Lacy again in the Winter following eodem Anno Robert of Shrewsbury a Clergy-man being joyned with him 7. Philip of Worcester vir Dapsilis Militaris Hib. Expug lib. 2. cap. 24. called by Hoveden Philip de Breos sent Governor into Ireland about the Calends of September 8. John the King's Son afterwards King John went into Ireland but soon returned after he had appointed Justices and settled the Garrisons there Hoveden But who those Justices were he mentions not Hoveden saith That Anno 1176. the King of England gave Ireland to his Son John and then after at a Parliament at Oxford Anno 1177. the King did constitute him Regem in Hiberniâ Concessione Confirmatione Alexandri summi Pontificis And Anno 1185. 31 Hen. 2. the King Knighted him at Windsor the last day of March and sends him forthwith into Ireland where he staid not long indè eum Regem constituit Certain it is That this John after he became King of England assumed the Title of Dominus Hiberniae to his other Titles which also the succeeding Kings of England ever since retained until the Year 1542. 33 Hen. 8. at which time by a Parliament in Ireland King Henry the Eighth was declared King of Ireland as a Title of greater Majesty which Title of Rex Hiberniae the Kings of England have used ever since Probably when the King gave unto his Son John Dominium Hiberniae 1176 it was as much as King of Ireland in effect whereby the Supreme Power was implied and from thence we see he assumed the Title of Dominus Hiberniae afterwards But it is not probable that the King did create him Regem Hiberniae by Charter though possibly he might sometimes be so called for then he would have assumed the Title of Rex Hiberniae and not of Dominus Hiberniae which afterwards we find he assumed but never Rex Hiberniae Ann. Dom. 1211 9. John Grey Bishop of Norwich Lord Justice Matt. Paris King John went then into Ireland 10. Henry Londers Archbishop of Dublin Lord Justice Annales Hiberniae Sub Henrico Tertio 1224. The same Archbishop of Dublin Fuller's Eccles Hist lib. 3. pag. 58. 1230. 11. Geffrey de Maurice Lord Justice Matt. Paris These following are Collected out of the Annals of Ireland apud Cambdenum in Britannia sua to the Year 1420. 1248. 12. Sir John Fitz-Geffrey Lord Justice 1255. 13. Alan de la Zouch Lord Justice 1259. 14. Stephen de Longspée Lord Justice See Vincent upon Brook pag. 447. 1259. 15. William Dene Lord Justice Obiit 1261. 1261. 16. Sir Richard de Capell Lord Justice 1267. 17. Sir David de Barry Lord Justice 1268. 18. Sir Robert de Ufford Lord Justice 1269. 19. Ricardus de Exoniis Lord Justice 1270. 20. Sir James Audley Lord Justice He was kill'd with a fall from his Horse in Toomond 1272. Sub Edwardo Primo 1272. 21. Maurice Fitz-Maurice Lord Justice 1273. 22. Sir Geffrey de Genevill Lord Justice 1276. 23. Sir Robert de Ufford Lord Justice But going to England Anno 1279. Robert de Fulborne Bishop of Waterford was put in his Place Ufford returns 1280. and is Lord Justice 1281. 24. Stephen de Fulborne Archiepiscopus Turonensis Lord Justice eodem Anno. Ufford goes into England and Fulborne dieth Anno 1287. 1287. 25. John Sampford Archbishop of Dublin Lord Justice ad Tempus 1291. 26. William Vescy Lord Justice 1294. 27. William D'oodyngzele Lord Justice Obiit 1298. 1295. 28. Sir Thomas Fitz-Maurice Lord Justice Obiit 1298. 1295. 29. John Wogan Lord Justice Sir Thomas Fitz-Maurice surrendring the Place to him Sub Edwardo Secundo Ann. Dom. 1312. 30. Sir Edmund le Butler is made Deputy to Sir John Wogan Both died 1321. 1314. 31. Sir Theobald de Verdon Lord Justice He came into Ireland the 20 of June 1314. 32. Sir Edmund le Butler Lord Justice He received his Commission on Friday after St. Matthew's day 1317. 33. Sir Roger de Mortimer Lord Justice but going into England to the King makes William Archiepiscopum Cassiliensem Custodem Hiberniae who was Lord Justice Chancellor and Archbishop all at a time 1318. And in Anno 1319. Sir Roger returns and is Lord Justice
set down the Kings of Mercia during the Heptarchy of the Saxons in England under which our County of Cheshire is comprised This Kingdom of Mercia began Anno Domini 626. under Penda sirnamed The Strong Son of Wibba Howbeit Huntington brings it somewhat higher even to begin under Crida who died Anno Domini 596. lib. 2. pag. 315. whose Descent he also sets down out of the ancient Saxons Chronicle to Woden pag. 316. and the Descent of Woden Malmesbury reckons up Also Matth. Paris de H. 2. and Asser Menevensis de Alfredo pa. 1. lib. 2. de Gestis Regum cap. 2. ad initium out of the English Chronicles to Noah Also Hoved. Annal. pars prior p. 414. brings it up to Adam Which Descent although we may conceive it true as far as is set down yet it carries great improbabilities along with it in respect of the long Tract of Time it contains for Woden is but the tenth Ancestor from Crida inclusively and Noah but the sixteenth from Woden according to Malmesbury So all the Generations from Noah to Crida are but 26. which in all probability cannot contain much above 600 Years and so Crida living after Christ 550 Years as Huntington clearly expresseth the Generation where Noah is placed cannot exceed 100 Years before Christ or thereabouts Now Noah lived above 2000 Years before Christ as is evident by the Scripture and the Generations from Noah to Christ are reckoned up 68 Luke cap. 3. and according to Matthew from Noah to Christ are reckoned up 52 Generations which far exceed the proportion and number here set down by Malmesbury Besides this that Bedwegius should be the Son of Sem as Hoveden hath it is much to be suspected or as Malmesbury sets it down that he should be the Son of Stresaeus and Stresaeus reported to be the Son of Noah seems likewise incredible forasmuch as no such Son is recorded in the Text Genesis cap. 10. either to Noah or Sem. But to return II. The Kingdom of Mercia was otherwise called Midel-Engle or Mediterranea Anglia Huntington lib. 2. Histor pag. 317. and was distinguished into the Northern and Southern Mercians The South-Mercians were 5000 Families and were severed by the River Trent from the North-Mercians who contained 7000 Families and this distinction was in the time of Peda Son of Penda Huntington lib. 3. pag. 332. It was called Mercia not from the River Mersey running from the corner of Wirral in Cheshire because that River was the utmost Limit thereof Westward but I rather believe that River took Denomination from this Kingdom which it Bounded on that side and was called Mercia because it abutted or bordered upon part of all or most of the other Kingdoms of the Heptarchy for Marche in the Saxon Tongue signifieth A Border or Limit Hence we call the parts of Wales next bordering upon England The Marches of Wales and at this day we call the utmost Border of a piece of Land A Land-March now pronounced Land-Mark which is as much as A Mere or Boundary III. I shall now briefly run over the Kings of Mercia since the Saxons first set up their Rule here with the Years of their several Reigns 1. Crida died about the Year of Christ 596. He began his Reign Anno Domini 586. and Reigned ten Years 2. VVibba Son of Crida He began his Reign Anno 596. and Reigned twenty Years 3. Ceorlus Son of VVibba He began his Reign Anno 616. and Reigned ten Years 4. Penda sirnamed The Strong Son of VVibba slew Edwin and Oswald Bede de Hist Angl. lib. 3. cap. 9. Kings of Northumberland in several Battels Oswald was slain the fifth day of August Anno Domini 642. Oswald was a holy Man and many Churches and Chappels were Consecrated and Founded in honour of him This Penda was slain by Oswy Brother of Oswald in the Year 656. in Battel He began his Reign Anno 626. and Reigned thirty Years 5. Peda or Weda Son of Penda Married Alflede Daughter of Oswy King of Northumberland and was the first King of Mercia that received the Christian Faith He received half of Mercia by the Gift of Oswy his Father-in-law to wit South-Mercia This Oswy Founded Lichfield Church and made Dwina a Scotchman Bishop thereof Anno Domini 656. He was the first Bishop of Mercia Stow. pag. 67. This Peda began his Reign Anno 656. and Reigned three Years 6. Wulfere Son of Penda after the Death of his Brother Peda succeeded King of Mercia for the Nobility of Mercia Jumin Eaba and Eadbert did rebell against Oswy and set up Wulfere who Married Ermenhild Daughter of Erconbert King of Kent and had Issue by her Kenred a Son and Werburge a Daughter that holy Virgin who died at Chester and there buried Will. de Malmesbury lib. 1. de Gestis Regum cap. 4. This Wulfere was the first of the English Kings who committed Simony and sold the Bishoprick of London to one VVina He killed two of his own Sons Ulfade and Rufin because they went to be instructed in the Christian Faith by St. Chad Bishop of Lichfield whose Bodies Ermenhild the Queen buried in a Sepulchre of Stone where after she Founded a Priory called The Priory of Stones in Staffordshire Stow. pag. 69. He began his Reign Anno 659. and Reigned seventeen Years 7. Ethelred Brother to VVulfere erected a Bishoprick at VVorcester He began his Reign Anno 675. and Reigned twenty nine Years 8. Kenred Son of VVulfere in the fifth Year of his Reign went to Rome and became a Monk in St. Peters Church in Rome where he continued all his Life He began his Reign Anno 704. and Reigned five Years 9. Ceolred Son of Ethelred Fought stoutly against Ina King of the VVest-Saxons Ceolred was buried at Lichfield He began his Reign Anno 708. and Reigned eight Years 10. Ethelbald the Proud whom Malmesbury stiles Pronepos Pendae ex Alwio fratre Reigned peaceably one and forty Years This Ethelbald and almost all the Nobility of Mercia were much addicted to Adultery rejecting their Wives as appears by the Letter of Boniface Archbishop of Mentz and German Legate to Ethelbald about Anno 747. He Founded the Abbey of Crowland and was slain by his own Subjects by the procurement of Berared at the Battel of Segiswold within three Miles of Tamworth as he was Fighting against Cuthred King of the VVest-Saxons Anno 757. Stow. and his Body was Interred at Ripedon or Ripon He was Son of Alwy Son of Eoppa Son of VVibba Matth. VVestminst pag. 264. He began his Reign Anno 716. and Reigned one and forty Years 11. Berared an Usurper was slain by Offa and had an end meet for a Traytor He began his Reign Anno 757. and Reigned one Year 12. Offa was Cosin to Ethelbald scilicet Son of Dingferth Son of Eanulf Son of Osmod Son of Eoppa Son of VVibba Florentius VVigorniensis pag. 274. He overcame in Battel Kinulf King of the VVest-Saxons He built the famous
Monastery of black Monks at St. Albans Anno 793. in the three and thirtieth Year of his Reign and Endowed it with Lands witnessed by himself Egfrid his Son nine Kings fifteen Bishops ten Dukes c. He translated the Arch-bishop's See from Canterbury to Lichfield and Founded the Abbey of Bathe He made a great Dike or Ditch between VVales and the Kingdom of Mercia which is called Offa's Dike and whereof part is yet to be seen Stow. pag. 71. He gave to the Pope a yearly Rent out of every House in his Kingdom stiled The Charter of Peter-Pence Polychron lib. 5. cap. 25. His Wifes Name was Quendrida whose Daughter she was I find not By whom he had Issue Egfrid a Son Ethelburge a Daughter Married Brictric King of the VVest-Saxons Anno 787. whom Florentius calleth Eadburge pag. 280. Elfled another Daughter was second Wife to Ethelred King of Northumberland Speed's Hist pa. 362. and Elfrid another Daughter betook her self to the Monastery of Croyland He died at Ofley saith Stow Quaere if not mistaken for Ocley the twenty ninth day of July and was buried at a Chappel without the Town of Bedford He began his Reign Anno 758. and Reigned thirty nine Years 13. Egfrid Son of Offa died young He Reigned but 141 Days saith Florentius pag. 281. and was buried at St. Albans He began to Reign Anno 796. 14. Kenulfe an heroick and noble Prince succeeded King of Mercia He was Son of Cuthbert and Trinepos VVibba that is The Sixth in Descent from VVibbae saith Matthew of VVestminster pag. 291. He took Eadbert or Egbert as others call him sirnamed Pren King of Kent whom he carried away Prisoner triumphantly An. 798. and not long after when he had built VVinchelcombe Church on the Day of the Dedication thereof he set his Prisoner free at the Altar of that Church and made Cuthred King of Kent in his stead So VVestminster and others He also Founded the Church of St. Ethelbert in Hereford the Bishop's See and by Elfride his Wife had Issue Kenelm a Son and two Daughters Quendrede and Burgenhild He died Anno Christi 819. saith Florentius Anno 821. saith Westminster and buried at Winchelcome Abbey He began his Reign Anno 796. and Reigned twenty four Years 15. Kenelm Son of Kenulfe a Boy of seven Years old was murthered within few Months after his Father's Death by one Ascebert his Governor who taking him into a Wood cut off his Head and buried him under a Thorn Tree This was done by the procurement of Quendrede his Sister whereby Kenelm obtained the Name of a Martyr His Body being found was buried at Winchelcombe He began to Reign Anno 819. 16. Ceolwulfe Brother of Kenulfe succeeded King He was deposed by Bernulfe and driven out of the Kingdom and had a Daughter called Cenedrith Spelman's Councels pag. 333. He began to Reign Anno 820. and Reigned one Year 17. Beornulfe elected King Anno 821. who in the third Year of his Reign was overcome in Battel at Ellandon by Egbert King of the West-Saxons Anno 823. but as Westminster puts it Anno 825. and was slain in Battel against the East-Angles Anno 824. He began his Reign Anno 821. and Reigned three Years 18. Ludecan Cosin to Bernulfe waging War with the East-Angles in revenge of Bernulfe was himself killed with five Captains of his Army 826. He began to Reign Anno 824. and Reigned two Years 19. Wilafe or Wiglafe succeeded King but was subdued by Egbert King of the West-Saxons Anno 827. under whom he enjoyed his Kingdom paying Tribute Wimund Son of Wilafe Married Elflede Daughter of Ceolwulfe King of Mercia and had a Son called Wilstan Ingulphus pag. 858. slain by Berfert This Wilafe began his Reign Anno 826. and Reigned thirteen Years 20. Berthulfe Brother to Wilafe was also Tributary to the King of the West-Saxons till at last he was chased beyond the Seas by the Sea-Rovers of Denmark He had a Son called Berfert who killed his Cosin Wilstan June 1. Vigiliâ Pentecostes Anno 850. Florentius pag. 295. He began his Reign Anno 839. and Reigned thirteen Years 21. Burdred or Burhred paying Tribute enjoyed it twenty Years and then being driven out of his Countrey fled to Rome The Danes deliver his Kingdom to Ceolwulfe sometime Servant to Burhred on Condition that he should resign it whensoever the Danes should demand it Anno 874. but not long after King Alfred got it This Burdred began his Reign Anno 852. and Reigned twenty Years So that King Alfred prevailing over the Danes united the Kingdom of Mercia unto that of the West-Saxons inseparably from this time and was absolute Monarch of all England and so the Kingdom of Mercia failed Anno Domini 875. which if we reckon from King Penda had stood about 250 Years but if we reckon from Crida about 290 Years CHAP. III. Of the Governors of Mercia Substituted by King Alfred and his Successors TO pass by those former Earls of Chester namely Edol or Edolfe who lived in the time of King Vortiger the Briton about the Year of Christ 471. stiled Earl of Caerlegion or Chester by Fabian in his Chronicle Part 5. cap. 89. and also Curfale or as by some he is written Sursalem Earl of Chester in the time of King Arthur Anno Domini 616. as Geffrey Monmouth affirms one of Arthur's Knights of the Round Table I shall now speak of those Earls who are more certainly recorded in our Histories of credit but not yet Earls of particular Places I find in Florentius sub Anno Domini 800. that Ethelmundus Dux Merciorum coming out of Mercia and passing Kimeresford with an Army was met with by Weolhstan Dax Wiltoniensium and had a cruel Battel Amboque Duces * Trâ—visa the Translator of Polychronicon calls them Dukes fol. 275. occisi but the Victory fell to the Wiltshiremen by which words I conceive the Author means no more than a General expressed by the word Dux The two Generals of the Armies met and Fought and were both slain I. I now proceed to the chief Governors of Mercia from the time of King Alfred The first I meet with who under Alfred Governed Mercia is stiled Ethered or Ethelred who Married Elflede Daughter to King Alfred His Title I find variously delivered by Higden the Monk of Chester he is stiled Ethelredus Dux Subregulus Merciorum So likewise by Matthew of Westminster Also by Hoveden and Huntington sometimes Dux sometimes Subregulus sometimes Dominus Merciorum Malmesbury De Gestis Regum lib. 2. cap. 4. calls him Comes Merciorum The most usual Title in all those ancient Authors is Dux which in those Times seems to be all one with an Earl or Comes By all it is apparent that he was then the chief Governor of Mercia under the King and he lived in the Reigns of King Alfred and Edward the Elder I desire I may have liberty to render these Titles by the Name of Earl The Acts of Earl Ethelred and
Dux was slain in Battel against the Danes with many other Noblemen of England Florentius pag. 388. IV. Edric sirnamed Streon a most perfidious Man was made Duke or Governor of Mercia by King Ethelred Anno 1007. in which Year the King of England agreed to pay thirty six thousand Pounds Tribute-money to the Danes so as they would desist from their Rapines Florentius pag. 373. with whom also agrees Huntington Hoveden and Polychronicon Onely Westminster saith he was made Duke of Mercia Anno 1003. He was the Son of Egelricus of low Kindred and to whom nevertheless his eloquent Tongue and crafty Wit procured great Riches and Honor and for Envy Florentius pag. 373. Falshood Pride and Cruelty exceeded all Men at that time He had to his Brothers Brihtric Alfric Goda Agelwin Agelward and Agelmer See Hoveden pag. 450. Father of Wulnoth Father of Godwin Earl of the West-Saxons He married Edgitha Daughter of King Ethelred Hoveden pag. 430. Stow calls her Edina pag. 90. b. and had Issue Wulfege and Wegete two Sons His unworthy Acts Historians Record thus Anno 1006. he murthered Duke Alfhelme whom VVestminster calls Ethelstane by a Wile for having invited him to a Banquet at Shrewsbury about the third or fourth day of his Entertainment he took him along with him on Hunting and led him into a Wood where he had laid in ambush a Butcher of Shrewsbury called Godwin Porthund whom he had hired to kill Alfhelme This Godwin spying his opportunity when all the rest of the Company were busied in Hunting fell upon Alfhelme and murthered him And shortly after King Ethelred caused the Eyes of Edric's two Sons VVulfeage and VVegate to be put out at Cocham or Cosham where the King then lived Florentius pag. 372. Anno 1015. he guilefully got Sigeferth and Morcar Sons of Earngrime into his Chamber where he caused them to be killed secretly and also endeavored secretly to have slain Edmund Prince of England And not long after having gotten forty Ships well Manned with Danish Soldiers he revolted to Canutus King of the Danes Florentius pag. 382. Hoveden pag. 433. Sigeferth and Morcar are stiled Earls of Northumberland by VVestminster whose Lands the King seised as forfeited by their Treason To omit many other of his Treacheries Anno 1016. Edric most perfidiously caused King Edmund sirnamed Ironside to be murthered for he caused his Son to thrust a sharp Knife into the King's Fundament as he was at the House of Office exonerating himself And this was done when the King lodged at Oxford on the last day of November Matt. VVestminster pag. 401. But Malmesbury pag. 72. saith Edric corrupted two of the King's Bed-chamber to thrust an Iron Hook into his Fundament as he was exonerating himself so was the common Fame saith he Howbeit Florentius and Hoveden both tell us That King Edmund died at London about the Feast of St. Andrew the Apostle At last this Edric had a just Reward for all his Villanies for Anno 1017. Cnut the Danish King caused him to be Beheaded after he had told him what he had done to King Edmund and set his Head upon the Tower of London for he said he would make him higher than all the Noblemen of England Others say That for fear of Tumult he was privately strangled and his Body thrown into Thames So VVestminster pag. 402. Vide Ingulphum pag. 892. By Edric's Counsel Cnut banished Edwine Brother to Edmund Ironside and also Edward and Edmund Sons to King Edmund Ironside V. Leofric is the next Governor of Mercia I meet with He is the first that I find stiled Earl of Chester in express words Henry Huntington lib. 6. pag. 366. Leofricus Consul Nobilissimus Cestriae He is also stiled Earl of Leycester by Ingulphus pag. 891. Howbeit in truth he was now Earl of all Mercia whereof those Counties were Members or Branches and was one of the Primest Counsellors among all the Nobles of England and very gracious with his Prince He lived in the several Reigns of King Cnut Harald sirnamed Harefoot Hardy-Cnut and Edward sirnamed The Confessor But give me leave here by way of Digression to explain the Title of Earl which we give unto them for hitherto before this Leofric they have most usually by ancient Authors been stiled Duces Merciae But from Leofric downwards they are usually stiled Comites Merciae Wherefore it is to be observed That under the Saxons the subordinate Titles of Temporal Honour were those of Ethelinge Ealdorman and Thane or Theigne The Thanes were answerable to our Barons The Ealdormen usually stiled Aldermanni in the old Latin Translations of the Saxon Laws were such as had Provinces or Counties under their Government and signifies as much as Senior or Senator in Latin expressed sometimes by Subregulus Regulus Patricius Princeps Dux and in Saxon by Heretoga sometimes by Comes and Consul Selden's Tit. Hon. pag. 605. Ethelinge was a Title attributed to those of the Blood-Royal Sons and Brothers to the King and signifies as much as Nobly Born which in the times of the Saxons was in Latin expressed Clyto from the Greek Word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 which signifies Famous Noble or Eminent About King Ethelstan's Reign the Word Earl was received in England as a Syncnima to Etheling and so denoted the Sons or Brothers of the King and not an Earl as at this day it is used for a Special Dignity Selden Tit. Hon. pag. 604. The word Earl coming into England with the Danes in whose Language Erlig at this day signifies as much as Noble or Honourable And after the Danish Power encreased in England under King Cnut the Name of Earl was fixed on those who before were by the Saxons called Ealdormen and the Saxon Title Ethelinge no more expressed by the word Earl The Title of Ealdorman continued until about the Year 1020. expressed by these words in Latin Duces Principes Comites c. Selden Tit. Hon. pag. 609. But from the Norman Conquest Earl and Comes most usually have translated each other And therefore because these Governors of Mercia first stiled Duces were also afterwards stiled Comites and Consules I give them the Title of Earls Howbeit in truth the Titles of Dux and Comes used by the ancient Historians of our Nation and also frequently found in old Latin Charters under our Saxon Kings about 800 Years after Christ did then signifie with us no other than Chief Governors of Provinces and Counties under the King and promiscuously used in that Age for the same Title So were also Consul and Subregulus But though Dux and Comes were promiscuously used by Florentius Huntington Hoveden and other old Authors yet I find in Latin Chartes of those Ages many stiled Duces and others Comites in the same Charters as we find in Ingulphus Nay you may observe in the Subscriptions of those Ages this Order First Bishops then Abbots then Duces then Comites then Minister which in those Chartes denotes a Thane or Lord
Piscariam de Derewent Piscariam de Egre Pascua ad omnia Animalia in Forestâ ipsius Ranulphi Monasticon Vol. 1. pag. 774. But quaere whether this were not Randle de Micenis Son of William de Meschin Lord of Coupland who Founded the Cell of St. Beges in Cumberland belonging to St. Mary's of York see Monasticon Vol. 1. pag. 395 396. and not our Earl of Chester here spoken of for that the Page 774. before-cited shews that the Abbey of Kaldra was Founded Anno Domini 1134. which was after the Death of this Randle Earl of Chester and it seems not to be meant of our second Randle Earl of Chester because then he would probably have been stiled Earl and not barely Randle Meschin as there he is stiled Pipe-Roll 5 Stephani Lincolnshire Lucia the Widow of this first Randle Earl of Chester gave 266 l. 13 s. 4 d. for Livery of her Father's Lands and also 500 Marks Fine that she might not be compelled to Marry within five Years CHAP. IV. Of Randle the Second Gules a Lion rampant Ar. Anno Domini 1139. King Stephen made Henry Son of David King of Scotland Earl of Northumberland at Durham and gave him Carlisle and Cumberland upon a Peace then concluded between Stephen and the King of Scotland Which incensed this Randle Earl of Chester more vehemently against Stephen howbeit in respect of his Alliance to Robert Earl of Glocester whose Daughter he had Married Randle was more apt to be drawn unto the Part of Maude the Empress So that John Prior of Hagulsted in his Continuation of the History of Simon of Durham pa. 268. tells us That in Anno 1140. Henry Son of the King of Scotland with his Wife coming to visit King Stephen in England this Earl of Chester was much displeased at him for Randle required Carlisle and Cumberland as his rightful Patrimony and would have fought the said Henry in his Return to Scotland But Stephen having notice of Randle's intentions sent Henry back into his Countrey safe from all danger and afterwards was the Earl of Chester's indignation bent against King Stephen and the Earl surprised the Castle of Lincoln and possessed himself of all the Strong Holds in Lincolnshire II. This Randle was a gallant Man at Arms and took King Stephen Prisoner at the Battel near Lincoln on Candlemas-day Anno Domini 1141. Ordericus Huntington and Hoveden But Mat. Paris placeth this Battel in Anno 1140. The Story is set down at large by Ordericus lib. 13. Eccles Hist pag. 921 922 as followeth Anno Domini 1141. Anno sexto Stephani Regis Randle Earl of Chester and William de Romara his half-Brother by the Mother Earl of Lincoln rebelled against Stephen and fraudulently surprised the Castle of Lincoln wherein King Stephen had placed a Garrison of Soldiers for Defence of the Town which Castle was taken thus Spying the Opportunity when the Castle-Soldiers were dispersed abroad the Earl of Chester unarmed and without a Cloke or Coat as if he meant to fetch home his Wife whom he had before sent thither accompanied with the Countess of Lincoln Wife of the said William de Romara as walking abroad for their Recreation enters the Castle with three Soldiers which followed him not far off no Man suspecting any Treachery They presently seised the Port or Gate and took all the Arms which they found letting in William de Romara with a Company of armed Soldiers who hasted after according to the contrivement of the Plot and so turning all out that remained in the Castle which were of the King's part the two Brothers possessed themselves both of the Town and Castle Bishop Alexander and the Townsmen willing to insinuate themselves into the favor of King Stephen gave him notice of what had hapned The news much incensed the King and so much the more by how much the Fact was committed by those whom he took for his special Friends and on whom he had conferred many Favors Stephen forthwith gathereth an Army and after Christmas-day which was in the seventh Year of Stephen's Reign Anno 1141. marcheth towards Lincoln where by his sudden and unexpected coming in the Night and the Intelligence of some of the Townsmen he surprized seventeen of the Earls Soldiers which were in the Town The two Earls with their Wives and Friends were Besieged in the Castle and knew not how to escape this present Danger At last Randle Earl of Chester who was the younger and more courageous Earl adventures out by Night attended onely with a few and went to Cheshire as amongst his own Men He makes known his Condition to Robert Earl of Glocester his Father-in-law and to others of his Friends The Disinherited Welsh and many others he exasperates against the King and raiseth all the Forces he can to help his Friends that were Besieged in the Castle of Lincoln especially he implores the Aid of Maude the Empress and Countess of Anjou swearing Fealty unto her whose Favour he obtained Having now gathered a numerous Army the two Earls Robert Earl of Glocester and Randle Earl of Chester march speedily to Lincoln The King hearing of their approach adviseth what is to be done Some counsel him to leave a competent Strength to defend the Town and to go away himself and raise a potent Army through all the parts of the Kingdom whereby in due time he might be able to disperse them if they should continue before that Town Others advise him to send a Parley to the Enemy to put off the Battel since that Day being Candlemas-day was sacred and to be set apart in commemoration of the Purification of the Virgin Mary But the obstinate King not willing to delay the Matter draws forth all his Forces immediately both Armies meet near the Town of Lincoln and being put in order joyn Battel The King divides his Army into three Bodies so did the Earls likewise divide their Army on the contrary part In the Front of the King's Army were the Flemmings and the Britons Commanded by William de Ipro and Alan de Dinan On the opposite part to them stood a furious Company of the Welsh Commanded by two Brothers Mariadoth and Kaladrius The Earl of Chester alights from his Horse resolving to Fight on foot The stout Earl bravely encouraged his courageous Cheshire Regiment of Foot and made this short Speech to the Earl of Glocester and the rest of his Army This Speech is not in Ordericus but is taken out of Huntington pag. 390. It is also in Hoveden and others I humbly thank you most invincible General and you the rest of my fellow Soldiers that you have so faithfully and courageously expressed your Affection to me even to the hazard of your own Lives And since I have been the cause of this your danger it is but reason I should lead the Way and give the first Onset to the Army of the perfidious King who hath broken the Truce he made and onely out of the
Comiti Cestriae noluerit Corrigere se proptèr Comitem Leycestriae non juvabit eum Comes Leycestriae Et Comes Leycestriae debet custodire terras res Comitis Cestriae quae in potestate ipsius Comitis Leycestriae sunt sinè malo ingenio Et Comes Leycestriae pepigit Comiti Ranulfo quòd Castrum de Ravenstona cadet nisi concessu Comitis Ranulfi remanserit Et ità quòd si aliquis vellet illud Castrum tenere contrà Comitem Leycestriae Comes Ranulfus auxiliabitur absquè malo ingenio ad diruendum Castrum illud Et si Comes Ranulfus fecerit clamorem de Willielmo de Alneto Comes Leycestriae in suâ Curiâ habebit eum ad rectum quamdiu ipse Willielmus manserit homo Comitis Leycestriae terram tenebit de eo Et ità quod si Willielmus vel sui recesserint à fidelitate Comitis Leycestriae proptèr Castrum Prostratum vel quià rectum noluerit facere in Curiâ Comitis Leycestriae non receptabuntur in potestate Comitis Cestriae nequè Willielmus nequè sui ad malum faciendum Comiti Leycestriae In hâc Conventione remanet Comiti Leycestriae Castrum de Witewic firmatum cùm caeteris Castris suis Et e Converso Comes Ranulfus portabit fidem Comiti Leycestriae salvâ fide Ligii Domini sui Et si oportuerit Comitem Cestriae ire supèr Comitem Leycestriae cùm Ligio Domino suo non potest ducere secum plus quà m viginti milites Et si Comes Cestriae vel isti viginti milites aliquid ceperint de rebus Comitis Leycestriae totum reddetur Nec Ligius Dominus Comes Cestriae aut aliquis alius potest forisfacere Comiti Leycestriae nec suis de Castris ipsius Comitis Cestriae nèc de terrâ suâ Et ità quod Comes Cestriae non potest proptèr aliquam Causam vel aliquem Casum impedire Corpus Comitis Leycestriae nisi eum defidaverit quindecem dies antè Et Comes Cestriae debet juvare Comitem Leycestriae contrà omnes Homines praetèr Ligium Dominum ipsius Comitis Cestriae Comitem Robertum de Ferrariis Comitem Robertum potest juvare hoc modo si Comes Leycestriae forisfecerit Comiti de Ferrariis ipse Comes Leycestriae noluerit corrigere forisfactum proptèr Comitem Cestriae tunc potest eum juvare Comes Cestriae Et si Comes Robertus de Ferrariis forisfecit Comiti Leycestriae noluerit se corrigere propter Comitem Cestriae non juvabit eum Comes Cestriae Et Comes Cestriae debet custodire terras res Comitis Leycestriae quae in potestate ipsius Comitis Cestriae sunt sinè malo ingenio Et Comes Cestriae pepigit Comiti Leycestriae quòd si aliquis vellet Castrum de Ravestona tenere contrà Comitem Leycestriae Comes Ranulfus auxiliabitur sinè malo ingenio ad diruendum Castrum illud Nec Comes Cestriae nec Comes Leycestriae debent firmare Castrum aliquod novum inter Hinckley Coventrey nec inter Hinckley Hardredeshellam nec intèr Coventrey Donintonam nec inter Donintonam Leycestriam nec ad Grataham nec ad Cheneldestam Belvier nec inter Belveer Hocham nec inter Hocham Rockingham nec propiùs nisi communi assensu utriusque Et si aliquis in praedictis locis vel infrà praedictos Terminos firmaret Castrum uterque alteri erit auxilio sinè malo ingenio donec Castrum diruatur E◠hanc Conventionem sicut in hâc Chartâ continetur affidavit uterque Comes videlicèt Cestrensis Leycestrensis in manu Roberti Secundi Lincolniensis Episcopi Tenendam Et posuerunt eundem Episcopum obsidem hujus Conventionis supèr Christianitatem suam Ità quòd si aliquis exiret ab hâc Conventione nollet se corrigere infra 15 dies postquà m inde requisitus fuerit sinè malo ingenio tùnc Episcopus Lincolniensis Episcopus Cestrensis facient justitiam de eo tanquà m de fide mentitâ Et Episcopus Lincolniae Episcopus Cestriae tradent obsides uterque duos quos receperunt proptèr Conventiones istas Tenendas illi videlicèt qui Conventiones istas praedictas tenebit How Randle Earl of Chester was rewarded for taking part with Henry Fitz-Empress being yet but Duke of Normandy and Earl of Angeau may appear by this Deed following which I conjecture was made about the Year 1152. when Stephen and Henry made an Agreement The Original hereof is in Cotton's Library It is also upon Record in one of the great Couchir Books in the Dutchy Office at Gray's-Inne in London Tom. 2. Honor sivè Soca de Bolingbroke num 7. pag. 498 499. HEnricus Dux Normanniae Comes Andegaviae omnibus Archiepiscopis Episcopis Comitibus Baronibus Vice-Comitibus omnibus Amicis fidelibus suis Normannis Anglis Salutem Sciatis me dedisse concessisse Ranulfo Comiti Cestriae omnem haereditatem suam Normanniae Angliae sicut unquà m aliquis Antecessorum suorum eam meliùs liberiùs tenuit nominatim Castellum de Vira Barbifluvium cùm tali libertate quòd per totam baleugam possit capere forisfactum suum Et Brullium de fossis Alebec hoc undè erat Vice-Comes de Abrinciis in Sancto Jacobo de hoc feci eum Comitem quicquid habui in Abrinches ei dedi praetèr Episcopatum Abbatiam de monte Sancti Michaelis quod eis pertinet Insuper Dedi concessi ei totum honorem Comitis Rogeri Pictaviensis ubicunque aliquid habet totum honorem de Eia sicut Robertus Mallet avunculus Matris suae illum meliùs plenius unquà m tenuit Insupèr dedi ei Stafford Staffordshire Comitatum Staffordiae totum quicquid ego ibi habui in feodo haereditate Excepto feodo Episcopi Cestriae Comitis Roberti de Ferrars Hugonis de Mortuo Mari Gervasii Pagani exceptâ Forestâ de Canok quam in manu meâ retineo Et feodum Alani de Lincolne ei dedi qui fuit Avunculus Matris suae Et feodum Ernisii de Burun sicut suam haereditatem Et feodum Hugonis de Scoteneio ei dedi ubicunquè sit e Et feodum Roberti de Chalz ubicunquè sit Et totum feodum Radulfi Filii Odonis Et totum feodum Normanni de Verdun Et feodum Roberti de Stafford ubicunquè sit Et triginta libratas terrae quas habui in Grimesbeia King Stephen gave to Randle Gernouns the Castle and City of Lincoln till he should be restored to all his Lands in Nomandy and his Castles there and thereupon gave him liberty to fortifie one of the Towers of Lincoln Castle to have Command thereof till the King should deliver the Castle of Tickill and then to deliver up Lincoln Castle excepting the Earls own Tower which his Mother had fortified and the Constableship of that Castle and the whole
Willielmo de Luriaco Adam de Portu Pagano Filio Johannis Gaufrido Filio Pagani Andrea de Baldement Roberto de Donestanvilla Apud Haveringas Ibidem Honor sive Soca de Bolingbroke Pag. 433. Num. 3. RANULPHUS Comes Cestriae Constabulario suo Dapifero cunctis Baronibus suis Hominibus Francis Anglis Amicis Vicinis tà m Clericis quà m Laicis Salutem Sciatis me dedisse concessisse Willielmo Comiti Lincolniae Fratri meo Watteleiam in Feudo Haereditate sibi Haeredibus suis c. indè reddendo Servitium duorum Militum in singulis Annis Haec autèm donatio facta est in Anno quo ipsemet Willielmus redivit de itinere Sancti Jacobi Apostoli in Crastinâ die post Festum Sanctae Crucis quod celebratur Mense Septembri Et indè sunt Testes ex meâ parte Willielmus de Colevill Robertus Grainssac Gaufridus Malab Ex parte vero Comitis Willielmi Hadewisa Comitissa Lincolniae Wido de Pouilla These following Deeds concern the Abbey of St. Werburge RANULFUS Comes Cestriae Constabulario Dapifero Baronibus Justiciariis Vicecomitibus Cestriae tà m praesentibus quà m futuris omnibus hominibus suis Francis Anglis Clericis Laicis Salutem Universitati vestrae notum facio me dedisse in Elemosyna in perpetuùm Deo Sanctae Mariae Ecclesiae Sanctae Werburgae Radulfo Abbati Conventui praedictae Ecclesiae pro salute Animae Hugonis Comitis Praefatae Ecclesiae Fundatoris à c pro salute Animae Ranulfi Comitis Patris mei Antecessorum meorum pro salute Animae meae Christianorum omnium omnem Decimam integralitèr plenariè omnium Reddituum meorum Civitatis Cestriae c. Si quis autèm vestrûm infoelix hanc Elemosynam à me manu supèr Altare Sanctae Werburgae oblatam fortè disturbare vel minuere praesumpserit Precor Episcopum Cestriae obnixè requiro Justiciarium meum Cestriae super amorem meum meorum Praecipio quòd illum justitiet donèc ad dignam satisfactionem venerit Teste Roberto Dapifero Normanno de Verdon Willielmo Capellano Ricardo Capellano Ricardo Pincerna Rogero Filio Ricardi de Aquila Spilend Camerario Hugone Filio Oliveri Dunun Filio Walmari multis aliis RANULFUS Comes Cestriae Constabulario Dapifero Justiciario Baronibus Vice-Comitibus Ministris Ballivis omnibus hominibus suis Francis Anglis Clericis Laicis tam praesentibus quà m futuris Salutem Sciatis me confirmasse Omnes Donationes Libertates quas Comites Antecessores mei scilicet Hugo Comes Ricardus Filius ejus Ranulfus Pater meus Barones mei in tempore illorum vel in meo dederunt c. Teste Roberto Dapifero Normanno de Verdon Ranulpho Vicecomite Hugone Hostr Ada de Praers Ricardo Pani Willielmo Gridell Apud Cestriam And by another Deed he gave to the Church of St. Werburge for the Satisfaction of all the Evils done by him to that Church Estham and Brunborough in Wirrall Teste Waltero Episcopo aliis Apud Gresel This was made about the Year 1152. The Wife and Issue of Randle the Second HE Married Maude Daughter of Robert Earl of Glocester Bastard Son of King Henry the First by whom he had Issue Hugh Earl of Chester and Richard Gemeticensis lib. 8. cap. 38. Ordericus pag. 921. Powell in his Notes on the Welsh History pag. 295. calls this Countess Alice for Maud and so doth Ferne in his Lacy's Nobility pag. 43. in his most absurd Pedegree of the Earls of Chester there Both these Authors are grosly mistaken herein See her Name proved by the Deed infra pag. 130 131. The Death of Randle the Second ANno Domini 1153. * The 16 day of December Monasticon Vol. 2. pa. 280. Ranulfus ille Nobilis Famosus Comes Cestriae Oblit 1153. 18 Stephani Regis vir admodùm Militaris Per quendam Willielmum Peverellum ut fama fuit veneno infectus post multos Agones Militaris Gloriae vir insuperabilis audaciae vix solâ morte territus devictus vitam finivit temporalem Chronica Gervasii Which John Prior of Hagustald placeth in Anno 1154. Chronica Normanniae say Anno 1152. Anno 1155. Willielmum Peverell causâ Veneficii quòd Ranulfo Comiti Cestriae fuerat propinatum Rex Anglorum Henricus exhaeredavit In cujus Pestis Consortio plures conscii extitisse dicuntur saith Matthew Paris He was Earl of Chester 25 Years and founded the Nunnery in Chester City Monasticon 1 Pars pag. 507. He died Excommunicated by Walter Durdant Bishop of Lichfield for whose Absolution Maud his Wife and Hugh his Son gave the Town of Styshall near Coventry to the Bishop and his Successors Ex vetusto Exemplari in Baggo de diversis Inquisitionibus penès Thesaurarium Camerarium Scaccarii Westmonasteriensis Londini Maud his Widow Founded the Priory of Holy Trinity at Ripendon in Derbyshire Anno Domini 1172. 18 Hen. 2. And she died the 29 day of July 1189. Monasticon Vol. 2. pag. 280. Randle the Second Founded the Priory of Trentham in Staffordshire Sciatis me dedisse centum Solidatas terrae meae Staffordiesire Deo Sanctae Mariae omnibus Sanctis ad restaurandam quandam Abbathiam Canonicorum in Ecclesiâ de Trentham eas assigno de Trenteham undè Rex Henricus habuit centum Solidos So run the Words of the Grant Monasticon Vol. 2. pag. 260. He gave also Cumbe to the Abby of Bordesly in Worcestershire which his Countess Maude and Hugh his Son did afterwards confirm Monasticon Vol. 1. pag. 805. And also to the Abby of Basingwerk in Flintshire Holes and half of Lecche and five Pound Rent in Chester Monasticon Vol. 1. pag. 720. Also he Founded the Priory of Mentings in Lincolnshire a Cell of the Abbey of St. Benedict super Leyre Monasticon Vol. 1. pag. 592. He gave also the Town of Canoc vulgò Kank to the Abbey of Stoneley in Warwickshire Monasticon Vol. 1. pag. 820. Also he gave liberty to the Monks of Coventry to have two Carts going to and fro twice every day except Holy-days unto his Woods there for Fewel and other Necessaries Char. 22 Edw. 3. per Inspeximus Num. 6. CHAP. V. Of Hugh the Second Sirnamed Cyveliok because he was born in the Commote or Province of Cyveliok situate in that part of Wales anciently called Powys Azure six Garbs Or 3 2 1. He performed many valiant Acts and by his Sword made Purchase of the Land called Bromfield from the Welsh his most harmful Neighbors Anno 1172. Hugh Earl of Chester with the King of Scotland and Robert Earl of Leycester rebelled against Henry the Second These took part with the King's Son against the King And in Anno 1173. 19 Hen. 2. Hugh Earl of Chester and Rafe de Filgiers in Normandy had almost possessed themselves of all the Province of Little-Britain in France
but were overcome in Battel by Henry the Second at which time these with many others of the Nobility of Britain were forced to retreat to the Castle of Dole But the Braibants whereon King Henry relied besieged them on every side the 13 of the Calends of September being Tuesday The King hereof being certified came to Dole on the Friday following So the Earl of Chester and the rest that were in the Castle seeing themselves unable to defend it surrendred both themselves and it to the King on the Sunday following being the 7 of the Calends of September or the 26 of our August The Names of such as were taken Prisoners in that Castle are more at large set down by Hoveden pag. 535 536. So was Hugh Earl of Chester taken Prisoner 1173. But in Anno 1177. at a Parliament at Northampton in January both Robert Earl of Leycester and Hugh Earl of Chester were restored to all their Lands by the King Hoveden pag. 560. II. This Hugh confirmed to the Abbey of St. Werburge in Chester Granisby in Wirrhall which Richard de Rullos had given thereunto Teste Matilda Matre meâ Ricardo de Rullos Roberto Fratre suo Roberto Basset R. Capellano multis aliis The Original hereof was among the Evidences of that Church at Chester Anno 1644. He gave also the Church of Prestbury to the same Abbey in these words HUGO Comes Cestriae Constabulario Dapifero Justiciario Baronibus Vicecomitibus Ballivis omnibus Hominibus suis Clericis Laicis Francis Anglis tà m presentibus quà m futuris Salutem Sciatis me dedisse cùm Corpore meo Deo Sanctae Werburgae Ecclesiam de Prestbury cùm omnibus pertinentiis c. Deo teste omnibus Sanctis Joh. Priore de Trentham Samsone Canonico Radulfo Barba appellato R. Clerico de Wicho Ranulfo de Wicho Radulfo de Menilwaringe Radulfo Filio Warini Gilberto Filio Pincernae Roberto Fratre ejus Frombaldo Bertramo Camerario G. Filio Eliae Haec Charta facta fuit corà m Comitissa Matilda Matre Comitis Bertreia Comitissa Sponsa ejus Ranulpho Haerede suo concedente Some other Chartes of this Hugh I have met withal which I have also here transcribed as followeth Charta Hugonis Cyveliok HUGO Comes Cestriae Justiciario Constabulario Dapifero Vice-Comiti The Original of this was in possession of Mr. Townsley of Carre in Lancashire 1657. omnibus Baronibus suis omnibus Ministris suis omnibus Hominibus suis Francis Anglicis tà m praesentibus quà m futuris Salutem Sciatis me dedisse in puram perpetuam Elemosynam pro salute Animae meae pro Animâ Patris mei pro Animabus Antecessorum meorum Abbatiae de Benedicto loco de Stanlaw Monachis ibidèm Deo servientibus quietantiam Theolonei in Villâ meâ Cestriae de omnibus quae praefati Monachi ibi emerint ad opus suae Dominicae Domus de Stanlaw Testibus Abbate Cestriae Johanne Constabulario Radulfo Filio Warini Hugone de Dutton Johanne Burd Martino Angevin Adam de Dutton multis aliis Apud Cestriam A very fair Seal The Earl on Horseback UNiversis Sanctae Matris Ecclesiae Filiis Hugo Comes Cestriae Salutem Ex Libro signato L Penes Rogerum Dodsworth Ehoracensem fol. 24. Sciatis me Concessisse hâc praesenti Chartâ meâ Confirmâsse Deo Abbathiae Sanctae Mariae de Coventrey Monachis ibidèm Deo servientibus pro salute Animae meae Patris mei Ricardi Fratris mei cujus Corpus in praedictâ Abbatiâ sepelitur donationem illam quam Pater meus Ranulfus Comes Cestriae eis fecit Chartâ suâ confirmavit scilicèt Capellam Sancti Michaelis de Coventrey cùm omnibus pertinentiis suis quae sita est in Feodo meo liberè quietè in perpetuum possidendam sicut Charta mea eis testatur ut concessio rata firma permaneat eam praesentis scripti Autoritate Sigilli mei testimonio confirmavi Testibus Edmundo Archidiacono Coventriae Johanne Priore Trentham Ricardo Avunculo meo Filio Comitis Glocestriae Rogero Malfylaste c. HUGO Comes Cestriae Constabulario suo Dapifero omnibus Baronibus suis omnibus Hominibus suis Francis Anglicis tam futuris quam praesentibus The Original of this remained in possession of Sir Simon Dewes Baronet 1649. noted EE num 6. Salutem Concedo Sanctimonialibus de Bolintona stagnum meum de Dunintona firmum terrae meae sicut fuit tempore Henrici Regis in perpetuam Elemosynam pro animâ meâ Patris mei meorum Antecessorum Et praecipio omnibus hominibus meis quòd habeant meam firmam pacem ità quòd nullus indè praedictis Sanctimonialibus injuriam vel contumeliam faciat Teste Roberto Dapifero de Monte alto Filippo de Kima Simone Filio Osberti Willielmo Patric Radulfo Filio Warneri Rogero de Maletot Johanne Priore de Trentham Orm ejus Canonico Rogero Monacho de Hambi Willielmo Clerico Comitis qui Chartam scripsit apud Beltesfort multis aliis A fair Seal with the Impression of the Earl on Horseback written about Sigillum Hugonis Comitis Cestriae ROBERTO Dei Gratiâ Lincolniensi Episcopo Capitulo Sanctae Ecclesiae Lincolniae totique Clero illius Praesulatûs Hugo Comes Cestriae Salutem Ibidem EE num 4. Nec non Constabulario Dapifero Baronibus Ministris Famulis Hominibus suis omnibus tà m Clericis quà m Laicis salutem similiter Vos scire volo me concessisse confirmâsse Sanctimonialibus de Grenefelt illam terram quam Willielmus Filius Otuheri eis in Elemosynam perpetuam dedit quam verò Pater meus Comes Ranulphus eis Concessit Cartâ suâ confirmatam Eaproptèr volo praecipio quòd praefatae Sanctimoniales terram illam perennitèr benè quietè liberè habeant possideant Testibus Matilda Comitissâ Matre meâ Simone Filio Willielmi Rogero Capellano Ricardo Capellano aliis multis Apud Beltesford Valete A very fair Seal with the Impression of the Earl on Horseback and on the back part of the Seal two lesser Impressions of a Man holding or setting something on a Form or Stool inscribed about Contra-Sigillum ComitÃs Cestriae III. The Wife of Hugh Cyveliok HE Married Bertred Daughter of Simon Earl of Evereux in Normandy Vincent upon Brook pag. 105. That her Name was Bertred and that she survived her Husband take this Deed to prove it in the Couchir Book in the Dutchy-office in Grays-Inn London Tom. 2. Honor sivè Soca de Bolingbroke num 7. pag. 112. OMnibus hoc scriptum audituris visuris Bertreya Comitissa Cestriae Salutem Noverit universitas vestra me Concessisse hâc meâ praesenti Chartâ confirmâsse Radulfo Carbunel de Haltuna Haeredibus suis pro Homugio Servitio suo Feodum dimidii Militis quod tenet de me in Haltona * Halton in Lincolnshire
to whom Hugh Cyveliok Earl of Chester her Father gave in libero maritagio servitium Willielmi Filii Rogeri scilicèt servitium trium militum faciendo sibi servitium duorum militum as the words of the original Deed do run now in the possession of Sir Thomas Manwaring of Over Pever Baronet Also another base Daughter as I conceive Married one Bacun and had Issue Richard Bacun Founder of the Priory of Roucester in Staffordshire about the Reign of King John for the safety of his Soul and the Soul of his Uncle Randle Earl of Chester Monasticon Part 2. pag. 267. And here I cannot but mislike the boldness and ignorance of that Herald who gave to Manwaring of Pever the Quartering of the Earl of Chester's Coat of Arms which Device was never done before the Reign of Queen Elizabeth in the time of Sir Randle Manwaring late of Pever the elder my Grandfather by the Mother for if he ought of right to Quarter that Coat then must he be Descended from a Coheir to the Earl of Chester but that he was not for the Coheirs of Earl Hugh as you see before were Married to four of the greatest Peers of the Kingdom the Earl of Huntington the Earl of Arundel the Earl of Derby and the Earl of Winchester's Son and Heir who lived not to be Earl Neither was Manwaring then an equal Competitor to have Married a Coheir to the Earl of Chester And it is plain ex placitis 18 Hen. 3. Rot. 14. in the Tower of London where the Coheirs Implead John the Scot Earl of Chester for their part there is no mention of Amice claiming any part or any from or under her in the Record Besides all ancient Authors of those Times as Polychronicon Matthew Paris Knighton Stowe and others would not have omitted her among the rest which they have set down had she been a Coheir which also she must needs have been had she been legitimate for Hugh Cyvelioc never had any other Wife but Bertred and she survived him And though Amice in the Deed before mentioned is stiled Filia Hugonis Comitis without the addition or note of Bastard it was very usual in those elder Ages so to do The like we find of Geva base Daughter of Hugh Lupus and several others V. Concerning this Bertred the Wife of Hugh Cyveliok I cannot omit the Falsities and Absurdities of some Authors as Powel on the Welsh History pag. 295. and Ferne in his Lacy's Nobility pag. 53. both of them calling this Bertred by the Name of Beatrix and saying she was the Daughter of Richard Lucy Chief Justice of England a most gross Falsity I am very certain that Hugh Cyvelioc's Wife was not Daughter of Lucy nor ever called Beatrix in any old Deed or Record though I find by good Authority that there was a Woman called Beatrix Lucy but never Wife of Earl Hugh The Death of Hugh Cyveliok Obiit 1181 THis Hugh Earl of Chester died at Leeke in Staffordshire and was buried at Chester Anno Domini 1181. 27 Hen. 2. Hoveden pag. 615. with whom Westminster Polychronicon and Cambden inter Comites Cestriae do all agree He was Earl of Chester 28 Years and gave the Church of Bettesford to the Prior and Canons of Trentham after the Death of William Barba who at the time of this Grant possessed the same a Copy of which Deed I received from Sir Simon Dewes Baronet Now because I find that some are displeased at my placing of Amice sometime the Wife of Raufe Manwaring Iudge of Chester among the base Issue of Hugh Cyveliok Earl of Chester and also that I am informed that three eminent Judges and four Heralds are of opinion that she was legitimate and not a base Daughter of Earl Hugh it is very necessary that I put down here my Reasons why I have so placed her protesting withal that I have not done it out of any prejudicate Opinion or Calumny intended in the least but onely for the Truths sake according to the best of my Judgment and that after a long and diligent scrutiny made herein for I must ever acknowledge my self to be Extracted out of the Loyns of this Amice by my own Mother but you know the old Saying of Aristotle Amicus Plato Amicus Socrates sed magis amica veritas Neither were Bastards in those elder Ages of such Disrepute as now in our Days Memini me alicubi legisse saith Spelman in his Glossary on the word Bastardus Priscos Septentrionales Populos etiam Spurios admisisse in successionem And where he farther tells us That King William the Conqueror began his Letter to Alan Earl of Little Britain as he did many other more in these words Ego Willielmus cognomento Bastardus of which Title it seems he was not ashamed otherwise he would never have used it himself And therefore the Question being no more than this Whether Amice was a base Daughter or no I will first answer those Reasons which seem to be the chief ground of those worthy Persons abovesaid who think Amice was no Bastard and then in order set down my own Reasons why I conceive her to be a Bastard submitting my self wholly to the Judgment of all Learned Persons herein The Reasons that she was no Bastard I. OUr Common Law alloweth not that any Lands can pass in libero maritagio with a Bastard Daughter Coke upon Littleton Fol. 21. b. and therefore Amice having Land given with her in libero maritagio by the Deed it must be presumed that she was no Bastard Answ To which I answer That it is true the Law is so taken at this day with us but that the Law was so taken in the elder Ages of Henry the Second when Hugh Cyveliok lived and upwards I very much doubt And if we mark well this Grant it is the Grant of Earl Hugh to Rafe Manwaring with Amice his Daughter in Frank-Marriage of the Service of Gilbert Son of Roger to wit the Service of three Knights Fees by doing the Service of two Knights Fees to the said Earl and his Heirs which is rather a Release of the Service of one Knights Fee than the Grant of any Land But to pass by this I say that the Common Law in sundry things is altered at this day from what it was in former Ages long after Henry II. Cook upon Littleton fol. 34. Sect. 39. Cook ibid. fol. 3. a. fol. 8. a. at the bottom of the Page and on the other side b at the bottom fol. 26. b. Sect. 29. and infinite other Particulars may be cited And that in this Particular also of Passing Land in libero maritagio with Bastards the Law seems clearly to be altered herein since the Reign of Henry the Second for the common Practice I take to be the Common Law and I shall give you here one Precedent made about the Reign of King Stephen and doubtless many others might be mustered up from those elder Ages if any
this is of so little weight that it will need no Answer for I yet apprehend no Reason in it IV. Roger Manwaring Son of Raufe Manwaring calls Randle Blundevill Earl of Chester and Lincoln his Uncle in another Deed wherefore it is to be supposed that Amice was no Bastard otherwise Roger durst not have presumed to have called the Earl Uncle Answ Histories Deeds and Records are full of Examples in this nature where we find Bastards frequently called Cosin Brother Uncle Son and Daughter for example Robert Earl of Glocester base Son of King Henry the First is frequently called in Histories Brother to Maude the Empress Hoveden pag. 553. He is also so stiled in a Deed made by Maude Empress her self Selden's Tit. Hon. pag. 649. called also Cosin to King Stephen Ordericus pag. 922. Reginald Earl of Cornwall another base Son of Henry the First stiled Avunculus Regis Henrici Secundi by Hoveden pag. 536. Robert and Ottiwell two Bastard Sons of Hugh Lupus frequently called Filii Hugonis Comitis Cestriae and Ottiwell stiled Frater Ricardi Comitis Cestriae Ordericus pag. 602 783. 870. Geva a base Daughter of Hugh Lupus stiled in old Deeds Filia Hugonis Comitis and there also she calls Earl Randle her Cosin Monasticon par 1. pag. 439. Also Richard Bacon Son of another base Daughter of Hugh Cyveliok calls Randle Blundevill Earl of Chester his Uncle in another Deed as Manwaring in like manner here stiles him in this Deed. Monasticon par 2. pag. 267. Every Man that is but the least versed in Antiquities knows these things to be very usual The Reasons that Amice was a Bastard I. IF Hugh Cyveliok had no other Wife but Bertred then Amice must certainly be a Bastard for she was not a Daughter by Bertred as is granted on all sides But Hugh Cyveliok never had any other Wife but Bertred Ergo Amice was a Bastard Now the Minor is to be proved by the Affirmer Oportet affirmantem probare for as yet I never saw the least proof thereof either by Deed Record or any ancient Historian nor yet any inducement of good Reason to incline my belief of it And till this be done it is unreasonable to impose it upon any Man's Belief by supposing that he had another Wife for Suppositions are no proof at all It is not enough to suppose Amice might be by a former Wife but it must be clearly proved or strongly inferred from solid Reason that it is so and that Hugh had a former Wife Neither is it a sufficient Answer hereunto to say That it is unreasonable to conclude all Children Bastards whose Mothers cannot be proved God forbid But in this Case we find a Wife certainly Recorded and a Son and four Daughters who were afterwards Coheirs and carried away all Earl Hugh's Lands clearly proved by Records and ancient Historians And also Earl Hugh is certainly known to have had many Bastards both Sons and Daughters which gives occasion of strong suspicion that Amice was a Bastard she being neither Recorded by any Historian nor ever had or claimed any Land as a Coheir and therefore here is a necessity of proving a former Wife which for my part I believe firmly Earl Hugh never had II. Whatsoever is given in Frank-Marriage is given as a Portion now the Release of the Service of one Knights Fee in Frank-Marriage seems not a competent Portion for a legitimate Daughter of the Earl of Chester especially for the eldest Daughter for so she must be being of the first Venter which always is more worthy than the second if she were at all legitimate and we find the other Daughters Married to four of the greatest Earls in England all which is a strong presumption that Amice was a Bastard and no legitimate Daughter To this it may be answered That possibly Earl Hugh might give Amice a great Portion in Money though she had no Lands And I say possibly too he might give her no Money or at least nothing considerable which great Portion in Money when it shall appear to be true may take off the strength of this Argument or second Reason till then it must be very pressing III. The ancient Historians of our Nation as Polychronicon writ by the Monk of Chester Henry Knighton the Monk of Leycester and others also Stowe and Cambden have Recorded the lawful Daughters and Coheirs of Earl Hugh and so the Record of 18 Hen. 3. And had Amice been a legitimate Daughter it is likely that these Historians would not all have omitted her but of her there is Altum silentium among all the Historians and Records which I have yet seen though indeed I look upon this onely as a probable not as a sure evincing Argument These were the Reasons which inclined my Opinion to place Amice in that Order as I have done But since there are some Learned Men of another Opinion I must leave every Person to the dictate of his own Reason CHAP. VI. Of Randle the Third sirnamed Blundevill Azure 3 Garbs Or 2 1. King Henry the second Knighted him and gave him to Wife Constance the Widow of Geffrey his fourth Son Daughter and Heir of Conan Duke of Little Britain and Earl of Richmond Anno 1188. 34 Hen. 2. Polychronicon lib. 7. cap. 24. But Hoveden placeth it Anno 1187. 33 Hen. 2. for Geffrey died 1186. and left Constance great with Child who bore Arthur a Son eodem Anno. Hoveden This Randle confirms to the Abbey of St. Werburge all the Grants of his Predecessors in these words RAnulfus Comes Cestriae Constabulario Dapifero Justitiario Baronibus Ministris Ballivis omnibus Hominibus suis Francis Anglis Clericis Laicis tà m praesentibus quà m futuris Salutem Sciatis me concessisse Omnes donationes libertates quas Comites Antecessores mei scilicèt Hugo Comes Ricardus Filius ejus Ranulfus Comes alius Ranulfus Avus meus Hugo Pater meus Barones tempore illorum vel in meo eidem Ecclesiae Sanctae Werburgae dederunt c. Testibus Bertreyâ Comitissâ Matre meâ Radulfo de Mesnilwaringe Hugone de Bosco-ale Radulfo Filio Simonis Rogero Fratre Comitis Rogero Constabulario Gaufrido de Buxeriâ Stephano de longo Campo Alano de Bosco-Ale Bertramo Camerario Alexandro Filio Radulfi Johanne Clerico Bech Dispensatore Petro Clerico aliis multis Apud Cestriam in Capitulo Monachorum in Anniversario die Hugonis Comitis Patris mei II. I will begin first with the Acts of this Randle then with his Titles then with his Wives For his Acts. Anno 1194. 5 Rich. 1. Earl David Brother of the King of Scotland Randle Earl of Chester and the Earl Ferrars with a great Army Besieged Nottingham Castle which John the King's Brother had caused to be Garrison'd against the King in his absence whiles he was detained Prisoner by the Roman Emperor Hoveden pag. 735. but the Castle was not taken till the King
Filiis Ranulfus Comes Cestriae Salutem Notum sit vobis me dedisse Deo Beatae Mariae Monachis de Stanlaw quietantiam de Bestiis Sylvestribus occisis vel attinctis in terra ipsorum Monachorum portandis usque ad Cestriam quod dicti Monachi eorum homines non ideo causentur propter aliquam Bestiam aliquo casu mortuam inventam in terra eorum nisi fuerit aliquis Sakerbor qui de hoc loqui voluerit adversus dictos Monachos aut eorum homines quod sint quieti de servientibus Forestariis Testibus hiis Rogero Constabulario Cestriae Warino de Vernon Hamone de Massy Philippo de Orreby Willielmo de Venables Ricardo de Aldford Adam Hugone de Dutton Petro Clerico Thoma Dispensatore Collino de Quatuor-Maris Radulfo de Munfichet Gaufrido de Dutton Adam de Byri multis aliis Apud Frodsham RANULFUS Comes Cestriae Constabulario suo Dapifero Justitiae Vicecomiti Baronibus Ballivis suis Salutem Sciatis me pro Dei amore pro salute Animae meae dedisse in perpetuam puram Elemosynam Deo Sanctae Mariae Monachis loci Benedicti de Stanlaw quietantiam de Tolneio per totam terram meam de Sale de omnibus aliis rebus quas emerint vel vendiderint ad usus suos proprios tà m per aquam quà m per terram c. Testibus hiis Rogero Constabulario Cestriae Philippo de Orreby tùnc Justiciario Cestriae Warino de Vernon Willielmo de Venables Petro Clerico Adam Hugone de Dutton Liulpho Vicecomite Alexandro Filio Radulfi Bertramo Camerario Josceramo de Hellesby multis aliis Apud Cestriam Both these Deeds aforesaid were Sealed with the Impression of a Lion in an Escocheon or rather a Triangular form like a Heart Couchir Book in the Dutchy-Office Tom. 2. Honor sive Soca de Bolingbroke pag. 116. num 17. OMnibus tà m futuris quà m praesentibus Petrus Cantor de Quarendona Salutem Sciatis me remisisse quietum clamâsse de me de Haeredibus meis Domino meo Ranulfo Comiti Cestriae totam terram meam quam habebam in Weinflet aliam terram meam totam in Lindseia quae pertinet ad terram praedictam de Weinflet Tenendas praedicto Comiti Cestriae Haeredibus suis Haereditariè in Dominico suo c. Hiis Testibus Thoma Dispensario Willielmo Picot Waltero de Coventreya Juhello de Loningneio Johanne de Pratell Helya Pincerna Gaufrido de Sancto Bricio Engeramo Pisce Henrico Dispensario Willielmo Filio Hamonis Henrico de Civile multis aliis Apud Baronam But when Gilbert de Gant Earl of Lincoln was taken Prisoner who had then forfeited both his Lands and Honour in taking part with the Rebellious Barons against the King of England which Title Lewis King of France conferred upon him a little before to wit Anno 1216. then was Randle Earl of Chester made Earl of Lincoln by King Henry third 1217. 1 Hen. 3. for so was the Writ directed to the Sheriff of Lincoln dated at Lincoln 23 Maii 1 Hen. 3. Claus 1 Hen. 3. Memb. 17. commanding him quòd habere faciat Comiti Cestriae tertium Denarium de Comitatu Lincolniae qui eum contingit jure Haereditario ex parte Ranulphi patris sui Where if Vincent hath not mis-writ the Record it should have been Avi sui not Patris For Randle the Second sirnamed Gernons Earl of Chester was half-Brother by the Mother to William de Romara Earl of Lincoln as whose Heir upon this Forfeiture Henry the Third now grants the Earldom of Lincoln to Randle Blundevill Another Writ was dated at Worcester 15 Martii Claus 2 Hen. 3. memb 9. 2 Hen. 3. directed to the same Officer Praecipimus tibi quòd recipias Clericum illum quem fidelis noster dilectus Ranulphus Comes Cestriae Lincolniae ad te miserat per Literas suas ad eundum tecum per Comitatum Lincolniae ad recipiendum tertium Denarium de Placitis Comitatus ejusdem nomine Comitis Lincolniae ad opus ipsius Comitis sicùt eidem illum tertium Denarium concessimus Vincent upon Brooke pag. 316. Mat. Paris pag. 296. And from this time to the time of his death he was usually stiled in all his Charters Ranulphus Comes Cestriae Lincolniae Some Deeds I shall insert here proving the same Couchir Book in the Dutchy-Office Tom 2. Honor sivè Soca de Bolingbroke pag. 111. num 5. of Lands in Lincolnshire OMnibus praesentibus Gilbertus de Beningeworth Salutem Noverit universitas vestra me dedisse Ranulpho Comiti Cestriae Lincolniae Haeredibus suis totum Manerium meum de Halton in Dominicis in Hominibus c. homahomagium Radulfi de Gousle de Feodo unius Militis in Yreby c. totum Manerium meum de Kynthorp c. Pro hâc verò donatione dedit mihi praedictus Ranulphus Comes ducentas Libras Sterlingorum Et adquietavit me versùs Elyam Filium Martrinae Judaeum Lincolniae de octiès viginti decem Marcis Argenti c. Hiis Testibus Radulfo Filio Simonis Gilberto Cusyn tunc Seneschallo c. Ibidem pag. 111. num 6. SCiant praesentes futuri quod ego Gilbertus de Beningworth quietè clamavi Ranulpho Comiti Cestriae Lincolniae haeredibus suis totum Manerium de Stepinge quod est de feodo ipsius Comitis cum tota terra de Halton cum Advocatione Ecclesiae de Stepinge c. Pro hâc verò donatione quietâ Clamatione dedit mihi praedictus Ranulfus Comes ducentas marcas Esterlingorum c. Many other of his Charters might be produced but let these suffice IV. Now for his Wives His first Wife as you have already heard was Constance the Widow of Geffrey fourth Son of King Henry the Second and Daughter and Heir of Conan Duke of Little Britain and Earl of Richmond She was Married to Randle Anno 1187. 33 Hen. 2. as is before proved But upon the Divorce of Constance Anno scilicet Christi 1200. 2 Johannis Regis he Married Clemence Sister of Geffrey de Filgiers in Normandy and Widow to Alan de Dinnam Ferne in his Lacy's Nobility pag. 58. and Powel on the Welsh History pag. 296. most absurdly call her the Daughter of Ferrers Earl of Derby And the Translator of Polychronicon lib. 7. cap. 32. calls her Daughter of Rafe de Filgiers who in truth was her Grandfather But she was Daughter of William de Filgiers and Sister to Geffrey See Monasticon 2 Pars pag. 997. And for farther proof hereof take these two subsequent Deeds Couchir Book in the Dutchy Office at Gray's Inne Tom. 2. Comitatus Northampton num 3. OMnibus tam futuris quam praesentibus ad quos literae praesentes pervenerint Gaufridus de Filgeriis Salutem Notum sit vobis me concessâ—sse dedisse Ranulfo Comiti Cestriae cum Clementia Sorore mea in
Johannis apud Westmonasterium die Lunae proximè post Quindenam Paschae Anno Regni ipsius Henrici vicesimo tertio recognovi concessi quietum clamavi de me Haeredibus meis dilecto Fratri meo Simoni de Monteforti Comiti Leycestriae totam partem Honoris Leycestriae cùm omnibus pertinentiis in Regno Angliae adeò plenè integrè sicut Comes Simon Pater noster vel Robertus Comes Leycestrensis illam unquà m meliùs pleniùs liberiùs tenuerunt Habendum tenendum eidem Simoni Fratri meo Haredibus suit de Corpore suo procreatis de praedicto Domino Henrico Rege Haeredibus suis in perpetuùm c. Actum apud Westmonasterium Anno Die praenominatis 1239. Which the King at that very instant confirmed unto him But this was after the death of Randle Earl of Chester and Lincoln Howbeit this Simon lost the same again by his Rebellion and was slain at the Battel of Evesham 4 Augusti 49 Hen. 3. 1265. Randle sirnamed Blundevill was Earl of Chester 51 Years These followidg Notes I received from Mr. Dugdale This Earl of Perch was slain at the Battel of Lincoln 1217. Mat. Paris pag. 296. of the Edition put out by Wats A. Dom. 1640. THis Earl Randle was but of low stature as we may observe by the Earl of Perch his words to him at Lincoln What said he have we staid all this while for such a Little Man such a Dwarfe To whom Earl Randle replied I vow to God and our Lady whose Church this is that before to Morrow Evening I will seem to thee to be higher than that Steeple So Walter de Wittlesey a Monk of Peterborough a Manuscript now in possession of the Dean and Chapter of Peterborough King John gave to this Randle Newcastle-under-Lyme in Staffordshire to hold by the Service of one Knights Fee Chart. 17 Johannis num 25. and also the Custody of all Simon Montfort's Lands with the Forests to the use of the said Simon Ibidem Membrane 19. Pat. 1 Hen. 3. mem 4 mem 7. Pat. 2 Hen. 3. mem 10. 1 Hen. 3. the King gave to this Randle the Custody of the Honour of Lancaster and the Castle of Montsorrel which Randle demolished 2 Hen. 3. the King gave him the Custody of the Honour of Brittany in the Counties of Cambridge Norfolk and Suffolk And he executed the Office of Sheriff by his Deputies in the Counties of Salop and Stafford 2 3 4 5 7 Hen. 3. and in the County of Lancaster 3 4 5 6 7 Hen. 3. as by the Pipe-Rolls of those Years appeareth Pat. 11. H. 3. mem 6. 11 Hen. 3. the King gave him all that part of the Honour of Richmond which he formerly had of the Grant of King John to hold for Randle's Life upon condition that he should make no Agreement with the Earl of Brittany to surrender the same up to him unless the Earl of Brittany could obtain those Lands in Normandy which the Earl of Chester had lost in the Service of King John CHAP. VII Of John sirnamed The Scot Earl of Chester Or three Piles Gules His Father David Brother of William King of Scotland was Knighted by King Henry the Second 1170. Hoveden pag. 518. and made Earl of Huntington 1184. Hoveden pag. 622. and David died about Anno 1219. So that John Scot was Earl of Chester and Huntington Take here the Charte remaining among the Evidences of St. Werburge Church in Chester as followeth OMnibus Christi fidelibus praesens scriptum visuris vel audituris Johannes de Scotia Comes Cestriae Huntindoniae salutem in Domino Sciatis me concessisse confirmasse Deo Domni Sanctae Werburgae de Cestria Abbati Monachis ibidem Deo servientibus in puram perpetuam Elemosynam pro salute meâ Comitissae meae pro Animâ Comitis Davidis Patris mei Comitissae Matildae Matris meae pro Animâ Ranulfi Comitis Avunculi mei pro Animabus omnium Antecessorum meorum omnes Donationes Dignitates Libertates quas Comites Antecessores mei Barones eis dederunt Insupèr ego ipse do concedo praesenti scripto confirmo praedictis Abbati Monachis quietantiam de tribus Panibus quos aliquando solebant dare diurnè ad Turrim Castelli mei de Cestria quietantiam de Putura servientium in Villis suis scilicèt Huntington Cheveley Idinchale Wyrvin tempore Pacis Prestbury Gostrey in perpetuùm c. Testibus Domino Ricardo Phiton tùnc Justiciario Cestriae Domino Warino de Vernon Willielmo de Venables Hamone de Massy Hamone de Phitton Willielmo de Malo-passu Willielmo de Boydell Ricardo de Sonbach Ricardo de Wibinberie tùnc Vice-Comite Cestershiriae aliis This was made about 18 Hen. 3. 1233. II. This John Earl of Chester and Huntington conceiving that an Earl might not lawfully be Summoned in any other County than that whereof he was Earl did except against the Summons in Northamptonshire upon a Writ De rationabili parte brought against him there by the other Co-heirs to Randle Blundevill but was ordered to answer The Record I have here transcribed as it is cited by Selden in his Titles of Honour pag. 643. ex Fragmentis tempore Hen. 3. quae in Archivis Arcis Londinensis servantur Orta est ista lis in 18 Hen. 3. quod satìs constat ex placitis 18 Hen. 3. Rot. 14. NOrthampton Johannes Comes Cestriae Huntingdoaiae summonitus fuit ad respondendum Hugoni de Albiniaco Willielmo Comiti de Ferrariis Agneti Uxori ejus Hawisiae Comitissae Lincolniae quarè deforciat eis rationabilem partem suam quae eos contingit de Haereditate Ranulfi quondà m Comitis Cestriae undè ipse obiit Seisitus in Comitatu Cestriae computâ cùm eisdem Hugone Willielmo Agnete Hawisia parte suâ rationabili de Terrâ quam nùnc tenet alibì de eâdem Haereditate Et Comes aliàs respondit quòd noluit respondere ad hoc Breve nisì Curia consideraverit consideratione Parium suorum per summonitionem factam in Comitatu Northamptoniae de Terris Tenementis in Comitatu Cestriae ubi Brevia Domini Regis non currunt Et quià usitatum est hùc usquè quòd Pares sui alii qui libertates habent consimiles sicùt Episcopus Dunelmensis Comes Mareschallus respondent de Terris Tenementis infrà libertates suas per summonitionem factam ad Terras Tenementa extrà libertates suas Ideò consideratum est quòd respondeat III. This John Scot Earl of Chester carried the Sword before King Henry the Third at the Marriage of Queen Elianour Anno Domini 1236. 20 Hen. 3. at which time all the Great Men of this Kingdom used those Offices and Places which had of ancient Right belonged to their Ancestors at the Coronation of the Kings and is mentioned by Matthew Paris in these words
sub Anno 1236. Comite Cestriae Gladium Sancti Edwardi qui Curtein dicitur antè Regem baiulante in signum quòd Comes est Palatii Regem si oberret habeat de jure potestatem cohibendi suo sibi scilicet Cestrensi Constabulario ministrante Virgâ Populum cùm se inordinatè ingereret subtrahente This is the first time saith Selden in his Titles of Honour pag. 641. speaking of the Title of Earl-Palatine in England that in express words he found the Earl of Chester called Earl-Palatine nor hath he observed the word Palatine to be applied so with us before Henry the Second's time or thereabout For although the County of Chester be frequently called a County Palatine as well in our Laws as in common Language as Comitatus Palatinus or Palantinus or Counter-Paleys corruptly for County-Paleis as sometimes it is in our Law-Books And although indeed it be truly a County-Palatine and hath so continued ever since the first Gift to Hugh Lupus unless we except the short time whiles it was a Principality Statute 21 Rich. 2. cap. 9. which was repealed 1 Hen. 4. cap. 3. Yet neither in their Summons to Parliament nor in any other Writ directed to them were they stiled Earl-Palatines Neither do I see testimony to perswade me that when the first Grant was made to Hugh Lupus it was granted to him by the Name of Earl-Palatine But this Earldom being given him with such Liberties and kind of Regal Jurisdiction as Count Palatines of Territories in Foreign Parts had it hath therefore since been called a County Palatine and the Earls thereof Palatines Now to be Earl Palatine was to have the Possession of a County or Earldom ad Regalem potestatem in omnibus under the King as Bracton well expresseth the same And to this day the County Palatine of Chester hath had a Chamberlain who supplieth the Place of Chancellor and also Justices before whom the Causes which of their nature should otherwise belong respectively to the Kings Bench and Common Pleas are triable a Baron of the Exchequer a Sheriff and other Officers proportionable to those of the Crown at Westminster See more of this County Palatine in my Lord Cook 's Jurisdiction of Courts IV. The Wife of John Scot. HE Married Helen Daughter of Lhewellin Prince of North-Wales about Anno Domini 1222. 6 Hen. 3. This Marriage was concluded on as a final Peace between Lhewellin and Randle sirnamed Blundevill Earl of Chester Knighton pag. 2430. Take here the Agreement about this Marriage the original Deed whereof remained in possession of Somerford Oldfield Esquire at Somerford in Cheshire Anno Domini 1653. Haec est Conventio facta inter Dominum Ranulfum Comitem Cestriae Lincolniae Dominum Lhewellinum Principem Northwalliae Quòd Johannes do Scotiâ Nepos praedicti Comitis de Sorore suâ primogenitâ ducet in Uxorem Helenam Filiam ipsius Lhewelini ità quòd dictus Lhewelinus dabit dicto Johanni in libero Maritagio totum Manerium de Budeford in Warewicâ Manerium de Suttehele in Comitatu Wigorniae cùm omnibus pertinentiis sicùt Dominus Johannes Rex ea illi dedit in libero Maritagio Et totum Manerium de Welneton in Comitatu Salopesburiae cum omnibus pertinentiis infrà villam extrà Habendum dicto Johanni haeredibus suis ex dictâ Helenâ provenientibus sicùt idem Lhewelinus ea aliquo tempore meliùs integriùs tenuit Et praetereà dabit eidem Johanni mille marcas Argenti c. Testibus Domino Reverendo Episcopo de Sancto Asaph Domino H. Abbate Cestriae Domino Hugone de Lasci Comite Ultoniae Philippo de Orreby tùnc Justiciario Cestriae H. de Aldideley Gualtero de Daivill Ricardo Fitton Edrevet Liagham Edmundo Filio Righerit Goronon Filio Edrevet Helin Idhit Magistro Estruit Magistro Adâ Davide Clerico Lhewelini Magistro H. Clericis Domini Comitis Cestriae multis aliis V. The Death of John Scot. THis John Scot Earl of Chester and Huntingdon died without Issue at the Abbey of Dernhale in Cheshire the seventh day of June Anno Domini 1237. 21 Hen. 3. not without suspicion of being poysoned by the contrivance of Helene his Wife and was buried at Chester having been Earl of Chester almost five years for Matthew Paris saith Anno 1237. 21 Hen. 3. Johannes Comes Cestriae Uxore suâ Filiâ Leolini machinante Potionatus diem clausit extremum circà Pentecosten With whom agrees Polychronicon Walsingham and Knighton pag. 2431. Helene the Widow of this John sirnamed The Scot did afterwards Marry Robert de Quincy third Son of Saher de Quincy Earl of Winchester See Vincent upon Brook pag. 260. Which Robert de Quincy died Anno Domini 1257. 41 Hen. 3. at the Justs or Torneament at Blie Matth. Paris put out by Wats 1640. pag. 942. And I find that Saher de Quincy Earl of Winchester had two Sons called Robert Robert de Quincy eldest Son Married Hawise fourth Sister and Coheir to Randle Earl of Chester and Lincoln sirnamed Blundevill by whom he had a Daughter called Margaret Married to John Lacy Constable of Cheshire and Baron of Halton and after Earl of Lincoln in his Wifes Right as is before more fully proved in the Issue of Hugh Cyveliok Earl of Chester This Robert died in the Life-time of Saher his Father which Saher died 1220. as Matthew Paris recordeth Roger de Quincy second Son of Saher succeeded his Father in the Earldom of Winchester and this Robert third Son of Saher who Married the Widow of John Scot. VI. But this John the Scot having no Issue King Henry the Third took the Earldom of Chester into his own hands and laid it to the Demaine of his Crown and gave unto the Sisters of John the Scot other Lands unwilling that so great an Inheritance as the Earldom of Chester was should be divided as the King himself said among Distaffs Cambden's Britannia Printed 1607. pag. 464. Now the Sisters were these Margaret the eldest was the second Wife of Alan de Galloway Constable of Scotland of whom he begot Derbergoille Married to John Baliol of Bernards-Castle in the Bishoprick of Durham Founder of Baliol Colledge in Oxford and died 1269. and was Father to John Baliol sometime King of Scotland in the Reign of Edward the First King of England Isabel second Sister to John the Scot Married Robert de Bruis Maud the third Sister died without Issue and Alda or Ada the fourth Sister Married Henry Hastings Knighton pag. 2431. But the first Wife of Alan de Galloway aforesaid was the Daughter of Hugh Lacy of Ireland by whom he had Issue three Daughters Helen Married Roger de Quincy Earl of Winchester in whose Right he was afterward Constable of Scotland but had no Issue Male onely three Daughters Christian second Daughter of Alan de Galloway by his first Wife Married William de Fortibus Earl of Albemarle and Mary third Daughter died without Issue
Cambden's Britannia Printed 1607 pag. 693. Matthew Paris put out by Wats 1764. pag. 430. where also it appears that in Anno 1236. Alan had a Brother named Thomas and also a Bastard Son called Thomas who by the assistance of their great Allies sought by force to possess themselves of Galloway in Scotland which the King of Scotland had distributed to the three Daughters and Heirs of Alan but these Rebels were beaten and dispersed by the King of Scotland Anno 1236. But to return to our Earls of Chester The Line of the ancient Earls of Chester now failing this Earldom was by King Henry the Third taken into his own hands Anno Domini 1237. 21 Hen. 3. It remains that I now shew the Earls of Chester of the Royal Blood since this time which in the next Chapter I shall briefly reckon up And observe that the County of Flint appertaineth to the Dignity of the Sword of the Earls of Chester and that the County Palatine of Chester is still preserved in the Crown as a County Palatine if there be no Creation of the Prince into the Title of Earl of Chester If the King 's eldest Son be created Prince of Wales then usually is the Title of Earl of Chester also conferred with it but upon the death of every Prince so created these Titles are preserved in the Crown till a new Creation These Notes following I had from Mr. Dugdale HElen the Widow of John the Scot held these Lands following till a Dower was assigned out viz. Fotheringhay and Jarwell in Northamptonshire Keweston in Bedfordshire Totnam in Middlesex Bramton Conington and Limpays in Huntingtonshire Bado in Essex and Exton in Rutlandshire Claus 22 Hen. 3. memb 20. The Sisters of John Scot had these Lands following Devergoil Daughter of Margaret eldest Sister of John had the Mannors of Luddington and Torksey in Lincolnshire with the Farm of Yarmouth in Norfolk Tower of London Pat. 22 Hen. 3. memb 11. Isabel had Writtell and Hathfield in Essex Maude the third Sister died without issue Pat. 22 Hen. 3. mem 4. Ada the fourth Sister had Bromsgrove in Worcestershire Bolsover in Derbyshire the Mannor and Castle Oswaldesbeck in Nottinghamshire See Stat. 32 H 8. cap. 29. the Mannor and Sok of Maunsfield in Nottinghamshire and Oswardbeck Wapentake and Wurfield Stratton and Cundover in Shropshire Wigginton and Wolverhampton in Staffordshire Pat. 22 Hen. 3. memb 4. Claus 22 Hen. 3. mem 12. After this to wit 31 Hen. 3. the Earldom of Chester with the Castles of Gannok and Disart * * Disart Castle is in Denhighshire in the Borders of Wales were annexed to the Crown for ever Pat. 31 Hen. 3. mem 7. CHAP. VIII Of the Titles of Prince of Wales and Earl of Chester since they were invested in the Crown of England and who have been so created with the time of their Creation I. KIng Henry the Third brought Lhewellin Prince of North-Wales into Subjection and made Peace with Lhewellin Anno Domini 1228. 12 Hen. 3. upon Condition that Lhewellin and his Successors should be called Princes and do Homage to the Kings of England Whereupon King Henry received from him three thousand Marks Knighton pag. 2436. And then King Henry made a Charter to Lhewellin which was confirmed by the Pope Anno 25 Hen. 3. 1241. David the Son of Lhewellin obligeth himself to King Henry to hold all his Lands in Capite of the King and to free his elder Brother Griffith * Stowe saith Griffith was a Bastard Son of Lhewellin pag. 185. and Owen the eldest Son of Griffith out of Prison whom he had unjustly detained and that the Land of Englesmere should remain to King Henry and his Heirs Mat. Paris put out by Wats pag. 625 and yet did this David acknowledge to hold his Lands in Wales of the Pope endeavouring to shake off the Yoke of his Fealty to the Kings of England and Griffith promised by Sureties if he obtained his portion of the Lands due unto him to pay 300 Marks yearly to King Henry and to his Heirs for ever Now David rebelled and after much perplexity and destruction of his Lands in Wales by King Henry he died Anno 1246. King Henry the Third Anno Domini 1254. 38 Hen. 3. gave Wales to his eldest Son Prince Edward by the Name of unà cùm Conquestu nostro Walliae as also Gascony Ireland and some other Territories recited in the Charter This was upon the Marriage of Prince Edward with Elinour Sister to Alphonso King of Spain Yet saith Selden notwithstanding the Grant of Wales I find no warrant that therefore the special Title of Prince of Wales as it belongs to the Son and Heir Apparent began in this Prince Edward Selden's Tit. Hon. pag. 594. Matthew Westminster sub Anno 1254. Also Matthew Paris put out by Wats 1640. pag 890. Nor were the ancient Princes of Wales of the British Blood at this time quite extinct for Wales was not absolutely subdued till this Prince Edward was King of England Scilicèt 1283. 11 Edw. 1. So Stowe Neither did this Edward whiles he was Prince ever assume the Title of Prince of Wales as far forth as I can find And for the Earldom of Chester Cambden saith it was given by Henry the Third to this Prince Edward who being taken Prisoner by the Barons surrendred it up to Simon de Monifort Earl of Leycester that he the Prince might be redeemed Sed Simone statim interfecto ad Regiam Familiam citò rediit Cambden's Britannia Tit. Cheshire ad finem And indeed by the Charter of Maxfield Dated 45 Hen. 3. 1261. This Prince Edward seems to be possessed of the County of Chester Howbeit in this Charter and all others that I have seen he useth onely the Title of Edwardus illustris Regis Angliae Primogenitus and not at all the Title of Comes Cestriae The Charter made to Simon de Montfort of the Earldom of Chester bears Date 24 die Decembris 49 Hen. 3. 1264. at Woodstock Vincent upon Brook pag 108. whereunto the King was forced to make his Peace for both the King and Prince Edward his Son were then Prisoners to Simon taken at the Battel of Lewis in Sussex 12 die Maii 48 Hen. 3. 1264. See Stowe Yet Simon enjoyed it but a little space for he was slain at the Battel of Evesham the fourth day of August 49 Hen. 3. 1265. and then all Montfort's Estate was forfeited by his Rebellion and so the Earldom of Chester reverted back to Henry the Third And I have seen the Copy of the Deed whereby Prince Edward confirms to the Barons of Cheshire all the Liberties which Randle sometime Earl of Chester had formerly granted unto them by his Charter and in this he is onely stiled Edwardus illustris Regis Angliae Primogenitus Dated 27 die Augusti 49 Hen. 3. which is but 23 Days after the Battel of Evesham so that the Prince soon had the Earldom again but I find
that they could not conveniently frequent the same it was indulged to such that they might build a private Oratory in or near their Mansion-places reserving for the most part the Rite of Baptism and Sepulture to the Parish Church which in respect of these lesser Oratories was to be accounted the Baptismal or Mother-Church It was also provided that these Families notwithstanding their Grant from the Bishop for a private Oratory should upon more solemn Feast-days repair to their Parish Church as it seems by the Council held at Agatha These private Oratories were afterwards called Capellae Chappels and those that did Exercise in them the Ministerial Function were called Capellani Chaplains Thus Ridley Now the word Capella quasi Capsella is a Diminutive from Capsa which signifies a Chest or Coffer because the Relicks of Saints or holy Persons were kept in such a Chest and the place where such Chest was kept was so called also undè Nomen Capella Capellanus c. So Spelman in his Glossary upon that word Beatus Rhenanus with Durand do derive the word Capella from Capa or Cappa St. Martin's Hood being so called barbarously and carried about for good luck by Lewis the French King in all his Wars But others derive it à Pellibus Caprarum wherewith such portable Tents for God's Service as were to be removed in their warlike Expeditions were covered Dr. Prideaux in his Consecration Sermon of Excester Colledge Chappel in Oxford pag. 26. None might of right build Oratories without Licence from the Bishop at least none might Administer Divine Service there without the Bishop's special Licence Oratories erected in the Houses of Great Persons for the use of a private Family I call such Domestick Chappels When built by one or several Persons in some convenient place for the use of several Families or of a Township or Townships not having liberty of Baptism or Burial I call such Chappels of Ease When built by a more numerous multitude of the Neighborhood consisting of one or more Villages having got liberty for Baptism and Burial with Consecration thereof by the Bishop and sometimes an Allowance in Money or Tythes from the Mother-Church I call such Parochial Chappels for these have all the Rites and Ceremonies as the Mother-Church or Parish Church hath except the Tythes so that indeed they are as lesser Parishes created within the greater for the benefit of the Neighborhood As to the Consecration of Churches we find the Jews had their Encaenia or Feasts of Dedication of their Temple John 10. ver 22.1 Maccabaeorum cap. 4. ver 59. But there was no Dedication of our Christian Churches to Saints until Praying to Saints was in use and after Churches began to be Dedicated to Saints their Dedication Feasts were usually kept on that Day which was the Feast-day appointed in the Kalendar for commemoration of that Saint to whom such Church was particularly Dedicated This time was called with us The Wakes from Waking as the Latine word Vigiliae à vigilando because at such times the People Prayed most of the Night before such Feast-day in the Churches And though the Primitive Custom herein was sacred yet how it was abused in the Reign of King Edgar Anno Domini 967. aut circitèr appears by the Canons of the Church in his Reign Num. 28. Docemus ut in Ecclesiarum Encaeniis unusquisque se modestum exhibeat orationi incumbat diligentèr non poculis non luxui deditus Spelman's Councils Pars 1. pag. 451. And at last it turned to Feasting and Merriment of Neighbors Now Invocation of Saints for three hundred years after Christ cannot be found among any of the Fathers None did teach Invocation of Saints till by Rhetorical Expressions and Poetical Fancies like Invocating of the Muses Basil Nyssen and Nazianzen had led the way Dr. Prideaux Lecture 15. pag. 243. Amplissimo clarissimoque viro Domino Petro Leycester Baronetto Patriae Antiquitatis Instauratori faelicissimo Qua latus Hiberno Regina Britannia Ponto Obvertit Letos Cestria pandit agros Cestria Nobilium densa Stellata Corona Qualiter innumero flore superbit ager Emicat hos inter Proceres clarissimus Heros Leycester docta nobilitate nitens Quicquid miratur Musarum Graecia Sedes Et quicquid Romae Pagina docta probat Quic quid condiderit praeclaris Anglia fastis Leycester vasto pectoris or be tenet Instat edax Rerum tempus morsuque maligno Decerpens Patriae deterit omne decus Occurrit perdocta manus monumentaque fato Interitura olim vivere penna jubet Splendida Plebeios dedignatura labores Gaudent Patricia Stemmata ducta manu Robertus Hunter Knotsfordiensis Ecclesiae Pastor in Agro Cestrensi Postea vero Maxfeldensis The Fourth Part Comprehending the ANTIQUITIES OF Bucklow Hundred IN CHESHIRE Acton Grange H Find no mention of this Hamlet or Village in Dooms-day Book so that in the time of the Conqueror it seemeth to be waste and many other also in this Hundred be now inhabited which are not so much as named in that ancient Record All that I observe concerning this little Hamlet is That it anciently belonged to the Priory of Norton of the Foundation of which Priory I shall speak more fully when I come to Norton Soon after the dissolution of Abbeys and religious Houses by King Henry the Eighth it was purchased together with the Mannor of Norton and other Lands by Richard Brooke Esquire from the King the Charter under the Broad Seal bearing Date the tenth of December 37 Hen. 8. 1545. Since which time it hath continued entire not having any Charterer within the same unto his succeeding Posterity and is now Anno Domini 1669. in the possession of Sir Richard Brooke of Norton Baronet and his Tenants Agden THis small Town of Agden also is not found in Dooms-day Book it is in old Deeds written Aketon and sometimes Acton but now commonly called Agden It seems William Son of Simon de Lee was possessed of Agden in the Reign of Henry the Third who gave unto William Rag his Son-in-law one half thereof in these words SCiant praesentes Ego Willielmus Filius Simonis de Lee dedi Willielmo Rag genero meo haeredibus suis de Agnete Filiâ meâ procreatis pro Homagio Servitio suo totam dimidietatem Terrae meae de Acton quam tenui de Henrico de Trafford Scilicèt totam Terram illam quam idem Willielmus Rag priùs habuit Tenuit Tenendum cùm omnibus libertatibus aysiamentis praedictae dimidietati Villae de Acton ubiquè pertinentibus Reddendo indè annuatìm mihi haeredibus meis unum par albarum Cheirothecarum vel unum Denarium ad Festum Sancti Martini in hyeme pro omnibus Servitiis Salvo forinseco Domini Terrae Servitio Et ego Willielmus Haeredes mei totam praedictam dimidietatem in perpetuùm Warrantizabimus Et Sciendum est quòd acquietabimus praedictum Willielmum Rag Haeredes suos de
Ashton tertiam partem Villae de Partington faciendo liberum Servitium pro duabus partibus Feodi Militis ut per Chartam Antecessoribus dicti Georgii per Hamonem Massy Militem factam reddendo per annum de Stothe alià s dictum Sheriffs-Tooth septem Denarios Et ipse faciet Sectam Curiae quae vocatur Judger de quindenâ in quindenam ità quòd pro quâlibet defaltâ dabit per viam amerciamenti duos solidos pro certo ipse quatuor Tenentium suorum de villatâ de Carington venient ad visum Franci-Plegii In the Notes collected by Will. Vernon I read Post mortem Willielmi Boydell 23 Edw. 3. intèr Feoda dicti Willielmi inter alia Robertus Ashton Ricardus Dikenson Johannes Deane tenent medietatem Maneriorum de Sale Ashton per Servitium unius Feodi Militis quilibet eorum tertio anno tres Denarios This Robert Ashton was Rector Ecclesiae de Ashton 23 Edw. 3. These were Feoffees in Trust so that one Moiety of Ashton seems to be of the Fee of Boydell of Dodleston and the other Moiety of the Fee of the Barons of Dunham Massy It is plain the Parish Church here was a Rectory in the beginning of Edward the Third's Reign which now hath Brereton of Honford for its Patron 1666. and was invested in Sir Vrian Brereton younger Son of Randle Brereton of Malpas in the Right of Margaret his Wife Daughter and Heir of William Honford of Honford Esquire and Widow of Sir John Stanley which Sir Vrian was living 1566. The Church here comprehendeth within its Parish  l. s. d. Sale 00 10 09 Ashton one half 00 07 00  00 17 09 The greatest part of Ashton super Mersey at this day 1666. belongs to Brereton of Honford The Lord Delamere of Dunham-Massy hath about an eighth part thereof Aston juxta Sutton THis Town of Aston gave Name to the Family of the Astons who have been Seated here for a long time In the Record of Dooms-day Book we find that Odard held this Town undâ—r William Fitz Nigell Baron of Halton sub Anno Christi 1086. where we find onely one Aston named for Aston juxtà Sutton and Aston-Grange as now they be severed and distinguished I conceive were then but one Town The same Odard held part of Dutton also from Hugh Lupus Earl of Chester as appears by the same Record which Odard was the undoubted Ancestor to the Duttons of Dutton as appears by several Deeds of great antiquity among the Evidences of Dutton of Dutton which I have seen About the Reign of Henry the Second I find one Gilbert de Aston certainly possessed of this Town of Aston juxta Sutton In which Line and Family it hath continued ever since to this day Sir Willoughby Aston of Aston Baronet being now Owner of the same who hath built a sumptuous House here a little distance from the old one Anno Christi 1668. Whether that Gilbert de Aston be Descended from Odard let the more curious make strict enquiry I am sure I never yet saw any thing to prove it âšœ In this Town is now onely one Charterer 1666. which small Freehold Richard Morris of Aston is now possessed of It belonged to one Higginson whose Daughter and Heir Married the said Rich. Morris and was formerly bought by one J. Higginson the Lessee of this Land from Thomas Paver of Lostock John Thomason of Harpesford and Richard Taylor joynt Tenants thereof 25 Hen. 8. This I conceive was part of that Oxgange of Land which Richard de Aston gave away to Raufe Son of Richard de Kingsley in the Reign of Henry the Third In this Aston lieth a certain parcel of Land called Middleton-Grange as the same stands Mized by it self in our common Mize-Book of Cheshire and now belongeth to Sir Willoughby Aston Lord of this Town I conceive it is the same with that called Mid-Eston in Doomesday-Book which then belonged to the Church of St. Werburge in Chester and was held by William Fit-Nigell Baron of Halton as Tenant to St. Werburge So called as it were Middle of Aston when the Town was yet undivided and lieth between Aston-Grange and Aston juxtà Sutton howbeit it is now wholly taken to lie in Aston juxtà Sutton This Middle-Eston was confirmed to the Priory of Norton by John Lacy Earl of Lincoln and Baron of Halton about the twentieth Year of Henry the Third Anno Domini 1236. as I find the Deed transcribed in a long I archment Roll among the Evidences of Dutton of Dutton at Dutton wherein sundry other Deeds belonging to the Priory of Norton are also transcribed by the name of Middel-Estonam cùm omnibus pertinentiis quam habent ex Dono Dominae Matildae quondà m Uxoris Domini Collini de Loches And also the Earl quits the same from Wardship and Relief for him and his Heirs which was due for that Land This Middleton-Grange called also sometimes Middle-Aston-Grange was purchased from the King after the Dissolution of Abbeys by Thomas Aston of Aston Esquire 37 Hen. 8. for the Sum of 270 l. 11 s. 5 d. paying the yearly Rent of 1 l. 1 s. 9 d. So I find in the Chartulary of Aston-Deeds pag. 66. num 537. Here was anciently a Chappel called Middleton-Chappel where the Prior and Convent of Norton were bound to find a Priest in former Ages to say Mass on Sundays Wednesdays and Fridays Weekly for ever Which Chappel being out of Repair and Service said there onely on Sundays for forty Years then last past it was complained of by Richard Aston Son of Sir Robert Aston at a Visitation 3 Hen. 6. 1425. and an Order was made by Richard Stanley then Arch-Deacon of Chester the twentieth of August 3 Hen. 6. That whereas the Prior and Convent of Norton long before the same was an Abbey did Covenant with the Abbot of Vale-Royal to find at their own proper Cost a fit Chaplain to Officiate here three days a week as aforesaid It was ordered That the said Agreement should be kept and observed But these Variances concerning Middleton-Chappel between Robert Abbot of the Monastery of St. Mary of Norton and Richard Aston of Aston Esquire were composed by the mediation of Thomas Dutton Esquire and Anne his Wife Dame Isabel late Wife of Sir John Carrington and Jenkin of Leycester Dated the tenth of November 32 Hen. 6. The same Chartulary pag. 23. num 501. pag. 21. num 503. pag. 216. num 504. But after that Middleton-Chappel fell into decay another Chappel was erected in later Ages somewhat nearer to the Hall of Aston called Aston-Chappel situate within the Parish of Runcorne and in lieu of finding a Priest to Officiate here by the Abbot of Norton the King after those Lands came into his Hands gave five Pounds yearly Rent to the Maintenance of a Minister here at Aston-Chappel issuing out of the Lands late belonging to Norton-Abby by a Decree in the Court of Augmentations at London
James Whitlok Winifrid Wife of Peter Derby near Leverpool in Lancashire Ellen Wife of George Manwaring of Ightfield in Shropshire Gentleman a younger Brother Ursula Wife of Geffrey Holcroft of Hurst in Lancashire also Richard a Bastard-son who lived at Rock-Savage and died at Halton 1616. This John exchanged certain Lands in Whitley with Richard Starky of Stretton Esq for Lands in Aston 1 Elizabethae He died 5 Augusti 15 Eliz. 1573. Margaret his Widow married Hugh Beeston of Torperley in Cheshire Esq 27 Eliz. XV. Sir Thomas Aston of Aston Son and Heir of John was Knighted 1603. and married Elizabeth Daughter of Sir Arthur Manwaring of Ightfield in Shropshire 11 Eliz. 1569. and had Issue John Son and Heir Sir Arthur Aston of Fulham in Middlesex second Son who had Issue Richard Aston and Sir Arthur Aston a Colonel in Germany and Governor of Oxford for the King 1644. but was barbarously killed after at Tredagh in Ireland having surrendred the Town to the Parliament-Rebels upon Conditions 1655. and had Issue Sir Thomas Aston third Son of this Sir Thomas married Elizabeth Daughter of John Shugborough of Burdenbury in Warwickshire Esquire and had Issue Frances eldest Daughter of Sir Thomas Aston of Aston married John Hocknell of Hocknell in Cheshire after to Richard Davys of Croughton and thirdly to Owen Longford of Burton in Denbighshire Grace second Daughter died without Issue Margaret third Daughter married Sir Thomas Ireland who bought Beusy nigh Warrington in Lancashire and was Vice-Chamberlain of Chester Elizabeth another Daughter married Richard Dod of Cloverley in Shropshire Mary Wife of Richard Brown of Upton nigh Chester Gentleman after to Jaques Arnodio a Frenchman Anne another Daughter married Richard Allen of Green-Hill in Nether-Whitley in Cheshire Gentleman Katharine another Daughter married Peter Legh of Ridge nigh Maxfield Gentleman Sir Thomas had a second Wife called Mary Daughter of William Unton of Draiton in Shropshire but had no Issue by her This Sir Thomas was Sheriff of Cheshire 1601. 43 Eliz. and died Anno Dom. 1613. Mary his Widow afterwards Married Edward Paler of York Esquire Sir Thomas bought Lands in Aston from John Witter of Torperley and Margaret his Wife 20 Eliz. 1578. XVI John Aston of Aston Esquire Son and Heir of Sir Thomas was Sewer to Queen Anne Wife of King James and Married Maude Daughter of Robert Nedham of Shenton in Shropshire Esquire Anno Domini 1611. and had Issue Thomas Son and Heir John Aston second Son died unmarried 1648. Robert third Son died young Maude Married Thomas Parsons of Cubbington in Warwickshire Esquire after to John Shugborough now of Upton in Wirrall 1666. a younger Son of the Shugboroughs in Warwickstire Anne another Daughter died young Elizabeth another Daughter died unmarried 1628. This John Aston of Aston died 13 Maii 16â—5 13 Jacobi XVII Sir Thomas Aston of Aston Baronet Son and Heir of John Married Magdalene Daughter of Sir John Poultney and Sister and Coheir to John Poultney of Misterton in Leycestershire Esquire 1627. by whom he had Issue Robert who died young 1634. and Thomas who died 1637. at the age of six years and two Daughters Jane and Elizabeth who died Infants as appears by the Monument in Aston Chappel Magdalene his first Wife dying * 2 die Junii 1635. he afterwards Married Anne Daughter and sole Heir of Sir Henry Willoughby of Risley in Derbyshire Baronet 1639. by whom he had Issue Sir Willoughby Aston now living 1666. who Married Mary Daughter of John Offley late of Madeley in Staffordshire Esquire and also two Daughters Magdalene and Mary both living 1666. This Sir Thomas was made Baronet in July 4 Car. 1. 1628. and was Sheriff of Cheshire Anno Domini 1635. He died in the time of the late War between the King and his rebellious Parliament He was Loyal to his Prince and was unfortunately beaten by Sir VVilliam Brereton of Honford's Party of Rebels near to Nantwich January 28. 1642. but Sir Thomas escaped and got away after he was taken at another Skirmish in Staffordshire and brought Prisoner to Stafford where endeavoring to make an Escape a Soldier espying him gave him a Blow on the Head with which and his other Wounds he fell into a Feaver whereon he died at Stafford not long after to wit 24 Martii 1645. and was buried at his own Chappel of Aston in Cheshire which Chappel he procured to be Consecrated by John Bridgeman Bishop of Chester Anno Domini 1637. with liberty of Baptism and Burial and repaired the Chancel thereof very handsomly though much defaced afterwards in the late War Aston-Grange IT seems to me that Roger Fitz-Alured was possessed of Aston-Grange in the Reign of Henry the Second See Monasticon Anglicanum Pars 2. pag. 186. which was held of the ancient Barons of Halton and was afterwards given to the Priory of Norton But after the dissolution of Monasteries in England by Hen. 8. Richard Brooke Esq purchased this Village from the King together with the Mannor of Norton and other Lands 37 Hen. 8. 1545. and hath since been enjoyed by his Posterity unto this present 1666. there being no Charterer at all within the same Aston juxta Great Budworth THis Town of Aston juxta Budworth was held of the Earl of Chester by William Fitz-Nigell Baron of Halton in the Reign of William the Conqueror and one Pagan then held it under the said William scilicèt sub Anno Domini 1086. This appears by the Record of Dooms-day Book and at this day it is within the Fee of Halton John Constable of Cheshire and Baron of Halton The Originals penes Leycester de Tabley gave the Mannor of Hield in this Aston unto Methroso Punterlinge in the Reign of Henry the Second rendring yearly a Welsh Lance on the Feast-day of St. Bartholomew M. num 1. Afterwards Geffrey Son of Adam de Dutton Ancestor to Warburton of Arley buyeth the same from one Hugh the Welsh Deacon Son of Hugh del Hield for twenty four Marks of Silver in the Reign of Henry the Third and gave it to Agnes de Dutton his Daughter M. num 2. num 5 6. But after towards the latter end of Henry the Third Robert de Denbigh and Margaret his Wife purchase it again from Geffrey Son of Geffrey Son of Adam de Dutton for three Marks of Silver and a Wich-house in Northwich I. num 91. which Margaret was Daughter of the said Geffrey Son of Geffrey but Robert Denbigh dying without Issue the said Margaret his Widow Married Nicholas de Leycester about 1276. afterwards Sir Nicholas Leycester Knight unto whose Issue it remained till John Leycester of Tabley sold it again unto William del Heild and Goditha his Wife and to the Heirs of the Body of the said William reserving the yearly Rent of forty Shillings Anno Domini 1355. 29 E. 3. M. num 14. num 13. And afterwards it became to be divided by the two Daughters and Coheirs of William del Heild
VVilliam his Son and Heir to Clemence Daughter and Heir of Alan de Norreys about 1344. And when Sir John upon the death of Alan had compounded for the Wardship of Clemence 25 Edw. 3. he grants the Lands to VVilliam his Son in these Words SCiant praesentes futuri quòd ego Johannes Danyers Miles Filius Haeres Willielmi Danyers de Daresbury Concessi VVillielmo Danyers Filio meo omnia illa Maneria Terras in Villis de Deresbury Over-VValton in Comitatu Cestriae Sutton Eccleston Raynhull in Comitatu Lancastriae quae nupèr fuerunt Haereditamenta Alani le Norreys Domini de Deresbury defuncti Habendum usquè ad plenam aetatem Clementiae Filiae Haeredis dicti Alani nùnc Uxoris VVillielmi Danyers Filii Haeredis mei apparentis in tà m amplo modo prout Thomas Stanford Generalis Attornatus VValterus de VVhitehorse nupèr habuerunt ex donatione Ducis Lancastriae Reddendo indè annuatìm mihi praefato Johanni 40 l. 00 s. 00 d. durante termino praedicto c. Testibus Thomâ Danyers de Bradley Matthaeo del Mere Thomâ de Legh Johanne Filio Thomae Danyers praedicti Johanne Boydell c. Datum apud Daresbury die Lunae proximè antè Festum Sancti Michaelis Archangeli 25 Edw. 3. 1351. Lib. C. fol. 185. m. VVilliam Danyers senior had Issue Thomas Danyers of Bradley senior living 17 Ed. 2. and also VVilliam Danyers of Daresbery junior Lib. C. fol. 233. b. e. fol. 184. d. See more hereof in Over-Tabley Whether of these is the elder Brother is the Quaere Charterers in Daresbery 1666. 1. VVilliam Gregg of Daresbery 2. John Haywood of Kekwick habet Terras in Daresbery 3. Richard Eaton of Hatton hath also Lands of Inheritance in Daresbery Here is in Daresbery also an ancient Parochial Chappel a Daughter of the Mother-Church of Runcorne Dedicated to All Saints AUbert Grelly omnibus hominibus suis salutem Sciatis me concessisse Sanctae Mariae de Norton Omnes Donationes quas VVillielmus Constabularius Cestriae Avus meus VVillielmus Constabularius Cestriae Avunculus meus eis in perpetuam Elemosynam dederunt quae sunt in meo Feodo scilicèt totam Ecclesiam de Piritonâ this is Pirton in Oxfordshire Capellam de Deresbiriâ in Cestershyrâ cùm omnibus suis pertinentiis quae pertinent ad Eccesiam de Runcorne Hanc autèm Confirmationem feci praefatis Canonicis pro animabus Patris Matris meae Antecessorum meorum pro salute Animae meae omnium Haeredum meorum Teste Roberto de Bury VVillielmo Filio VVulfrici Ricardo Filio Henrici Lib. B. pag. 202. num 18. This was in the Reign of Henry the Second Aubert Grelly Father of this Aubert married Maud Sister and Co-heir to VVilliam Constable of Cheshire the younger This Parochial Chappel comprehendeth these Villages  The Mize  l. s. d. Daresbery 00 07 00 Over-VValton 00 06 00 Nether-VValton 00 10 00 Kekwick 00 05 00 Thelwall 00 16 00 Preston on the Hill 00 13 00 Newton juxtà Daresbery 00 10 00 Hatton 00 14 00 Acton-Grange 00 08 00 Moore 00 12 00 Sum Total in the Mize-Book 05 01 00 Dunham-Massy THis Town of Dunham-Massy was the Seat of the Ancient Barons of Dunham-Massy and from those Massy's Lords thereof it is called Dunham-Massy in distinction from another Dunham in this County not far from Trofford-Bridge called Dunham on the Hill Dunham hath its name from these two old English words Dun which is as much as A Rising Hill for which we now use the word Down and Ham A House Home or Dwelling as it were A Dwelling by the side of a Hill A House or Town by the Downs Quarterly Gules and Or in the first Quarter a Lion passant Argent This Hamon had also in Maxfield Hundred Bromhale and Podinton in Wirrhall Hundred at the same time and other Lands This Hamon had Issue Hamon Son and Heir and Robert Massy Witness to the First Randle's Charter of Confirmation to the Abby of St. Werburge in Chester about Anno Domini 1124. or thereabout See suprà in this Book pag. 119. Ex Chartulis Georgii Baronis de Delamere apud Dunham-Massy alibi II. Hamon Massy the Second Son and Heir of Hamon had Issue Hamon Son and Heir Robert Massy from whom the Massies of Sale in Cheshire a Family yet extant 1666. Lib. C. fol. 150. d. e. f. III. Hamon Massy the Third Son and Heir of Hamon the Second had to Wife Agatha and had Issue Hamon Son and Heir Robert Massy to whom his Mother calling her self by the name of Agatha de Theray gave the moiety of Bowdon which she bought of Roger Massy of Hale Son of Geffrey Massy Lib. C. fol. 252. i. k. And John Massy Lib. C. fol. 258. a. Also Agnes a Daughter with whom her Father gave half of Bolinton in Free-Marriage to Geffrey Dutton of Chedill Son of Geffrey Dutton Lib. C. fol. 150. a. b. Sibil another Daughter who gave to Cicely Daughter of John Massy her Brother half of the Town of Norden Lib. C. fol. 271. c. Also Cicely another Daughter of Hamon de Massy to whom her Father gave all his Land of Alretunstall and all his Land of Sunderland Lib. C. fol. 254. b. Another Daughter married Hugh de Dutton which see in Dutton Hamon Massy the Third died about the Reign of King John or sub initio Hen. 3. and Agatha his Wife survived him This Hamon the Third gave unto John Massy his Brother all the Land of Moreton which Matthew de Moreton held with Housebote and Haybote in his Demain-wood of Bidston for the Land of Podington which Robert de Massy his Uncle held Faciendo Servitium dimidii Feodi Milits Lib. C. fol. 258. a. about Henry the Second or Richard the First He also gave to Robert Son of Waltheof all the Land which his Father Waltheof held of the said Hamon and his Ancestors to wit Etchels to be held by the Service of half a Knights Fee ego Hamo retineo ad opus meum Cervum Bissam Aprum de Hulerswood that is Hart Hind and Boar. The said Hamon restored also to the said Robert Bredbury and Brininton finding a Sumpter-Horse and a Man and a Sack for the carriage of his Arms and Apparel when the Earl of Chester shall in Person lead an Army into Wales and shall give aid to the said Hamon for the Redeeming of his Body if he be taken Prisoner and for the making of his eldest Son a Knight and when his eldest Daughter shall be married Lib. C. fol. 258. b. This Hamon Founded the Priory of Birkenhed in Wirrall commonly called Birket-Abby the Church whereof was dedicated to St. James And I find Oliver Prior of Birkenhed subscribed a Witness in the Reign of King John Lib. C. fol. 252. I. K. I conjecture it might be founded about the Reign of Henry the Second and Speed saith they were of the
Order of the Black Monks IV. Hamon Massy the Fourth Son and Heir of Hamon the Third had Issue Hamon Son and Heir William Massy from whom the Massies of Tatton Lib. C. fol. 255. e. Also Margery a Daughter to whom her Father gave the whole Town of Stretford about Anno Domini 1250. And after the said Margery then Widow of Roger Pain of Echburn i. e. Ashburn released all her Right in the whole Town of Stretford unto Henry de Trafford Lib. C. fol. 251. d. e. The Originals of these two Deeds were among the Evidences of Sir Cecil Trafford of Trafford in Lancashire 1666. V. Hamon Massy the Fifth Son and Heir of the Fourth Hamon gave the Advowson of the Church of Bowdon unto the Priory of Birkenhed in Wirrall whereunto Richard Massy Sheriff of Cheshire was Witness which was 6 Edw. 1. Anno Christi 1278. which Priory was Dedicated to St. James Monasticon Anglicanum 1 Pars pag. 484. And this Deed was enrolled in the Cheshire Doomsday-book which is now lost This Hamon married Alice Daughter and Heir of Sir Eustace Whitney and had Issue Hamon Son and Heir and 16 Edw. 1. 1288. the Barony of Dunham-Massy was found to be held of the King in Capite by the Service of five Knights Fees Inveniendo pro quolibet Feodo unum Equum coopertum vel duos discoopertos infrà divisas Cestershiriae tempore Guerrae cùm omnibus Hominibus suis Peditibus Tenentibus terram forinsecam infrà Feodum praedictum Faciendo Servitium suum secundùm purportam Communis Chartae Cerstershiriae Lib. C. fol. 259. P. See this Common Chart above in this Book pag. 162 163. c. VI. Sir Hamon Massy the sixth and last Baron of Dunham-Massy Son and Heir of the fifth Hamon married Isabel Daughter of Homfrey de Beauchamp and on the Marriage-day at night as it hapned she died before Carnal Copulation Afterwards he married Alice Sister of the said Isabell and by her had Issue Hamon a Son who died without Issue and four Daughters Cicely married John Fitton of Bollyn Isabell married Hugh Dytton who had Issue Katharine Wife of Thomas de Belgrave _____ another Daughter married Thomas de Lathom and had four Daughters who had Issue and Alice another Daughter married Hamon de Hilond and had Issue Hamon Lib. C. fol. 259. l. and other Sons Lib. C. fol. 261. b. An old Parchment Roll in a Character about Richard the Second among the Evidences of Dunham-Massy And after the death of Hamon Massy the Son the said Sir Hamon Baron of Dunham-Massy was Divorced from Alice his Wife and married Joan Clinton Sister of the Earl of Huntington and by the counsel of this Joan he sold the Reversion of the whole Mannor of Doneham with its Appurtenances after the death of himself and Joan his Wife in case they had no Issue unto Oliver de Ingham then Judge of Chester for which Reversion Oliver gave him 1000 Marks and 40 Marks Annual Rent for his Life 10 Edw. 2. 1316. Lib. C. fol. 256. q.r. t. x. This Hamon the last Baron being sued at Chester 1 Edw. 2. by Peter Dutton stiled also sometimes Peter de Warburton and Ancestor to Warburton of Arley concerning a Parcel of Waste Ground conceived by him to lie in Warburton the said Hamon pleaded That Hamon Massy his Father was seised of the same and that the Land in question did lie in Doneham and not in Warburton and moreover that he the said Hamon was one of the Kings Barons and held his Lands of the King in Capite as Earl of Chester in Barony immediately aad ought not to proceed to Trial without a Jury of Knights and discreet Men of the County Placita Cestriae ad Festum Sancti Marci Evangelistae 1 Edw. 2. Lib. C. fol. 260. z. Chart. 18 Edw. 1. Memb. 3. Rex concessit Hamoni de Massy unum Mercatum per diem Martis apud Manerium suum de Altrincham unam Feriam per tres dies duraturam videlicèt in Vigiliâ die Crastino Festi Assumptionis Beatae Mariae Lib. C. fol. 260. q. And hereupon he made his Charter to his Burgesses of Altrincham of a Guild-Mercatory See above in Altrincham This Sir Hamon was possessed onely of these Mannors Doneham Kelsall Altrincham Bidston Salghall and Moreton Lib. C. fol. 260. y. But in the Rental of Dunham-Massy dated 3 Hen. 4. John Davenport of Bromhall tenet Villas de Bromhall Duckenfield Baggiley and Etchells per Servitium Militare reddendo annuatim 2 l. 0 s. 0 d. But 13 s. 4 d. of this Rent was remitted by Sir Thomas Stanley and Sir Robert Booth by Deed 22 Hen. 6. Lib. C. fol. 262. h. Davenport de Henbury tenet terram suam in Wernith reddendo per Annum 5 d. Itèm tenet Bredbury Romiley Brunington nuper Adam de Bredbury Matilda Holland per Servitium Militare idem inveniat Domino de Doneham unum Championem ad pugnandum pro eo si fuerit appellatus si dictus Dominus fecerit aliquam Appellationem ad aliquem alium tà m in brevi de recto quà m aliquo alio modo dictus Champio pro eo pugnabit inveniet unum Hoblar Sacket Jugg ad Custodiendum Carriagium suum per quindecem dies in Guerris de Wales So that the Services of these and may other Towns did anciently belong to the Barons of Dunham-Massy Hamon the last Baron of Dunham-Massy died 15 Edw. 3. aut circiter Lib. C. fol. 254. t. So that the Massies continued from the Norman Conquest at Dunham-Massy about 260 Years But now fell great Suits concerning the Barony of Dunham-Massy after the Death of Hamon and Joan without Issue of their Bodies For Richard Fitton and the Heirs of the other Sisters entred into the Mannor of Dunham as Heirs to the said Hamon at which time Oliver Ingham was in the King's Service Beyond-sea to wit Steward of Gascony And then by the King's Command Hamon Massy ef Tatton * This Hamon Massy was a younger Brother of Massy of Tatton and afterwards the first Massy of Rixton in Lancashire in Right of his Wife See more of him in Tatton and others of the Council of the said Oliver came to the Mannor of Doneham and entred in the Name of Oliver and Richard Fitton and his Partners went out of Doneham and so the said Oliver Ingham died seised of the said Mannor with its Appurtenances And after the death of Oliver Ingham Richard Fitton and his Partners entred again and the Heirs of Oliver who were Mary Daughter of John Ccrson and Joan Wife of Roger le Strange of Knocking the Elder brought a Writ of Novae Disseisinae against the Co-heirs And after Henry Duke of Lancaster buys out all the Right of the Co-heirs as also the Right of the Heirs of Oliver and so the Duke being possessed of the Mannor of Doneham with its Members gave it to Roger le Strange Lord of Knocking Lib. C. fol. 261.
Antecessores sui de Antecessoribus meis tenuerunt This was the Service for the Ancient Barony of Halton in Cheshire for the Service of half a Knights Fee to be done by him and his Heirs for all Service to the said John Scot and his Heirs Testibus Domino Henrico de Audidelegh Domino Willielmo de Cantilupo Domino Ricardo Phiton tùnc Justiciario Cestriae c. Couchir-Book in the Dutchy-Office Tom. 1. fol. 49. a. Comitatus Cestriae num 24. Lib. C. fol. 65. s. John Lacy had Issue by Margaret his second Wife Edmund Lacy and Maud a Daughter married to Richard de Clare Earl of Clare Glocester and Hartford Anno Domini 1238. 22 Hen. 3. Stow in his Annals Ob. 1240. 22 Julii Anno 1240. 24 Hen. 3. die Sanctae Mariae Magdalenae scilicèt undecimo Calendas Augusti died John Earl of Lincoln after a long and tedious Sickness Mat. Paris p. 533. Margaret Countess of Lincoln afterwards married Walter Marshall Earl of Pembroke which Walter died without Issue 29 Hen. 3. 1245. Mat. Paris Also Vincent upon Broke But Margaret survived both her Husbands and then was stiled Domina Margareta Comitissa Lincolniae Pembrochiae in all her Charters Lib. C. fol. 66. y. Living 33 Hen. 3. I find mention in the Book of Whalley fol. 126. b. of one Peter de Lascy a Bastard called also Peter de Cester Rector of Whalley Church in Lancashire 1249. but whether Bastard-son of this John Lacy I cannot positively affirm IX Edmund Lacy Constable of Cheshire Son and Heir of John Lacy Earl of Lincoln succeeded his Father and was the ninth Baron of Halton His Mother Margaret enjoyed the Earldom of Lincoln while she lived by whom it came and she survived Edmund her Son who was Ward to the King And howbeit Vincent upon Brook pag. 318 319. cites a Record out of the Close Rolls to prove that this Edmund by way of Recitation had tertium Denarium Comitatus Lincolniae yet certain it is he was never stiled in any of his own Chartes by the Title of Comes Lincolniae but onely Edmundus Lacy Constabularius Cestriae Lib. C. fol. 67. c. fol. 1. f. Sometimes Sir Edmund Lacy onely Lib. C. fol. 67. b. Yet Matthew Paris tells us That in the beginning of May 1247. two Girls of Provence in France were by the Providence of Peter of Savoy married unto two very Noble young Gentlemen Edmund Earl of Lincoln and Richard de Burgo whom King Henry the Third had Educated for some few Years in his own Court the King himself staying at Woodstock from the twenty eighth of April to the first of May for the accomplishment thereof Concerning which Marriages there was much murmuring through the Kingdom because those strange Ladies were married as it was said contrary to the desires of the young Noblemen and against their wills Where he stiles this Edmund Earl of Lincoln rather out of Civility in regard it was Hereditarily in him if he had survived his Mother than that in truth he was so stiled in any Deed or Record during his Life ⚜ The young Ladies Name to whom the King married him was Alice Daughter of the Marquis of Saluces in Italy and Cosin to the Queen of England of whom he begot Henry Lacy afterwards Earl of Lincoln Roger Quency Earl of Winchester and Constable of Scotland gave unto his Cosin Edmund Lacy the Mannors of Kypes and Scales in Yorkshire Lib. C. fol. 67. a Tom. 1. of the Couchir-Books in the Dutchy-Office fol. 168. b. Com. Eboraci num 12. Anno Domini 1254. aliqui magnatum utpote Johannes de Warrennâ Edmundus de Lascy apud Doveram transfretantes versùs Burdegaliam lora direxerunt Mat. Paris Obiit 1258 Edmund Lacy died the fifth day of June 1258. 42 Hen. 3. and was Buried at Stanlaw Abby in Wirrall in Cheshire So the Book of Whalley Abby Lib. C. fol. 61. a. fol. 67. e. Alice the Widow of this Edmund was living 1271. 55 Hen. 3. Tom. 2. of the Couchir-Books in the Dutchy-Office Honor sive Soca de Bolingbroke fol. 23. num 49. being a French Deed wherein by Agreement with Henry Lacy her Son she was to hold for her Life all those Lands whereof she was Enfeoffed by the King And she releaseth all her Dower in Halton in Cheshire and in Widneys and in Almanbyrye X. Henry Lacy Earl of Lincoln and Constable of Cheshire Son and Heir of Edmund Lacy succeeded his Father and was the tenth Baron of Halton King Edward the First gave unto him the Castle and Lordship of Denbigh in Wales Anno Domini 1284. 12 Edw. 1. Stow in his Annals In this Year on the ninth of April was so great Thunder and Lightning that Men could scarce stand on their Feet His Title in Anno 1286. 14 Edw. 1. and also 1296. 24 Edw. 1. did run thus in his own Charters Henricus de Lacy Comes Lincolniae Constabularius Cestriae Dominus de Roos Rowynock Monasticon 1 Pars. pag. 901. Lib. C. fol. 67. g. He was in greatest Favour with his Prince on whose Fidelity Edward the First did principally rely making him the Chief Commissioner for the Rectifying and Discovering of the Abuses and Briberies of his Corrupt Judges complained of in Parliament 18 Edw. 1. 1290. Among whom Sir Thomas Weyland Chief Justice of the Common Pleas was Banished and all his Goods Confiscate Sir John Lovetot Compounded for 3000 Marks Roger Leycester Clerk for 1000 Marks Sir William Brompton for 6000 Marks These were all Judges of the Common Pleas and other Judges were also Fined About this time 1290. Sir Nicolas Leycester Knight was Seneschal to this Henry Lacy Earl of Lincoln G. num 60. from whom the Leycesters of Tabley in Cheshire Henry Lacy is placed next after the Prince of Wales as the Prime Noble-man of England in the Catalogue of the Parliament at Carlisle 1307. 35 Edw. 1. as they be ranked by Stow in his Chronicle He was very Famous in all Grand Matters of State in the Reign of King Edward the First as Walsingham Stow and other of our Historians do report Anno 1293. he was sent Embassador to the French King to demand Satisfaction for the Goods of the English Merchants which were taken by the French Also after the death of Edmund Earl of Lancaster he was Commander in Chief of all the Kings Forces in Gascoyn and sometime Vice-Roy of the Dutchy of Aquitain Anno 1298. he Marched into the Confines of Tholouse and expelled the French delivering the Castle of St. Catharine from a strict Siege Anno 1299. he led the Foreward of the Battel of Fowkirk in Scotland where the Scots were defeated He was Protector of England when Edward the Second was in Scotland In a word He was Vir Illustris in Concilio strenuus in omni Praelio Princeps Militiae in Angliâ in omni Regno Ornatissimus saith the Book of Dunmow as I find it cited by Wever in his Funeral
Monuments pag. 366. Anno 1273. 1 Edw. 1. Edmund Earl of Lancaster Henry Lacy Earl of Lincoln and Reginald Grey for the Preservation of the Peace of this Nation Besieged Robert de Ferrers in the Castle of Chartley in Staffordshire which Castle Robert had entred and kept by Force it being lately given by King Henry the Third unto Hamon le Strange which Castle indeed was the Inheritance of the said Robert and descended unto him by Agnes his Grandmother third Sister and Co-heir to Randle Blundevill Earl of Chester till Robert forfeited the same by his Rebellion In this Siege many Persons were slain on both Sides and the said Robert and his Complices were at last taken Now the King Pardoned these Besiegers for the slaying of these Disturbers of the Peace and Confirms the Protection of such Persons as the said Edmund had received into Favour Dated at Rothelent 20 die Decembris 11 Edw. 1. 1282. Lib. C. fol. 67. I. Tom. 2. of the Couchir-Books at Grays-Inn in the Dutchy-Office there Derby-Ferrers num 4. This Henry by the Name of Henry Lacy Earl of Lincoln and Constable of Cheshire Confirms to the Prior and Canons of Burstow a Place called Ruddegate which Henry Torbock and Ellen his Wife had before Granted unto them so as one Leprous Person of his Fee of Widneys in Lancashire if any such were found should be admitted in the said House and be reasonably maintained and after the Decease of one another to come in his room And that the said Henry Lacy and Margaret his Wife be put in their Martyrologie and their Names written in the Canon Dated at Halton die Sancti Geronimi Confessoris which is the thirtieth day of September Anno Domini 1285. The Original hereof was in possession of Sir Simon Dewes Baronet 1646. with a very fair Seal scilicèt The Earl on Horseback with his Sword drawn and on the Breast of the Earl an Escocheon of Arms in which is A Lion Rampant and on the Reverse or Back-part of the Seal also A Lion Rampant in an Escocheon which I take to be the Coat of these Lacies Earls of Lincoln Lib. C. fol. 68. k. Queeen Elinour's Grant to Henry Lacy Earl of Lincoln That all his Tenants in the Mannor of Dynelnegh be quit of all Toll Stallage Payage Pavage Pontage Murage and Passage for ever per omnes Terras nostras Walliae in Comitatibus Cestriae Staffordiae Salopiae Glocestriae Wigorniae Herefordiae Apud Gretindon primo die Septembris 18 Edw. 1. Tom. 1. of the Couchir-Books in the Dutchy-Office fol. 28. num 49. Infinite other Grants were made to and by this Henry Lacy which here would be tedious to mention He had two Wifes Margaret Daughter of Sir William Longspée and his onely Heir was the first Wife of Henry Lacy married about Christmas 1256. 40 Hen. 3. For on Friday before Christmas in that Year it was agreed between Sir Edmund Lacy on the one Part and Sir William Longspée on the other Part That whereas the Marriage of Henry Lacy Son and Heir of the said Edmund with Margaret Daughter and Heir of the said William had been formerly mentioned in Gascoyne it was now finished by the Consent of the Parties And William Longspée gave with Margaret his Daughter and Heir in Free-Marriage to Henry Lacy the Mannors of Burencester and Middleton cùm omnibus Homagiis Redditibus Servitiis And Edmund Lacy gave for Joynture to the said Margaret his Mannors of Kypeis and Scales in Yorkshire Lib. C. fol. 67. b. Tom. 2. of the Couchir-Books in the Dutchy-Office Comitatus Oxoniae num 2. Henry Lacy was but six Years old when he was married This William de Longspée although he was Right Heir to the Earldom of Salisbury yet did he never enjoy the same nor had Henry Lacy ever that Title but all the Lands of this Longspée descended to him Henry Lacy had Issue by this Margaret two Sons Edmund and John and both died young and also two Daughters Alice and Margaret Ferne in Lacy's Nobility calls Margaret by the Name of Joan pag. 125. but falsly Onely Alice survived who became Sole Heir to her Father and married Thomas Plantagenet Earl of Lancaster Leycester and Darby Lib. C. fol. 86. So was the Barony of Halton annexed and united to the Earldom of Lancaster Brooks and Fern say That Edmund eldest Son of Henry Lacy was drowned in the Draw-well of Denbigh Castle but I am told by a more Ancient Authority Monasticon 2 Pars pag. 188 b. That in Anno 1282. Edward the First gave to Henry Lacy two Cantreds in Wales to wit Roos and Roweynock and that the King eodem Anno gave to Edmund Lacy his Son a young Girl in Marriage but five Years old namely Maud the Daughter and Heir of Patrick de Chaworth by Isabel Beauchamp his Wife Daughter of William de Beauchamp Earl of Warwick Lib. C. fol. 73. e. But this Edmund Lacy died young without Issue and John his Brother running hastily in his Youth upon a Turret in Pomfret Castle in Yorkshire fell down from the Walls and was killed The second Wife of Henry Lacy was Joan Daughter of William Martin Lord Keimis but had no Issue by her Lib. C. fol. 86. a. This Great Henry Lacy Earl of Lincoln Constable of Cheshire Baron of Halton Pomfret Blackburnshire Roos Roweynock and Protector of England died on the fifth day of February 1310. 4 Edw. 2. at his own House in Chancery lane at London now called Lincolns-Inn and was buried at St. Paul's Church in London in the New Work which was of his own Foundation under a goodly Monument with his Armed Pourtraicture cross-legged as one that had taken a Voyage in Defence of the Holy Land He was aged sixty Years at the time of his death Wever's Funeral Monuments pag. 366. and Stow in his Annals sub Anno 1310. Lib. C. fol. 69. t. Joan his Widow afterwards married Nicolas Lord Audley Lib. C. fol. 69. v. which Nicolas died 1316. And it is to be remembred That in the Time of this Henry Lacy who gave the Church of Whalley in Lancashire with the Chappels thereof unto the Monks of Stanlaw the Abby of Stanlaw was Translated unto Whalley scilicèt Anno Domini 1296. in Festo Sancti Ambrosii Episcopi id est 4 Aprilis Lib. C. fol. 61. a. Domino Gregorio de Norbury tùnc Abbate Anno 1309. 3 Edw. 2. die Vincentii Martyris obiit Gregorius de Norbury Primus Abbas de Whalley An old Parchment Book of Whalley in possession of Mr. Townley of Carre in Lancashire 1657. fol. 23. He was Beheaded at Pomfret his own Mannor Anno Domini 1321. 15 Edw. 2. 22 die Martii for Rebelling against his Sovereign King Edward the Second Stow and Walsingham Leaving no Issue of his Body to succeed him whose Lands were now forfeited to the King Anno 1314. 8 Edw. 2. he purchased from Audomare de Valentia the Temple-house at London which formerly
belonged to the Templars but is since become a Society for the Students of our Law with all the Lands and Rents thereto belonging in the Suburbs of London and in the County of Middlesex which were of the Fee of the Honor of Leycester and Confirmed unto him by the Grant of King Edward the Second Dated at York primo die Octobris 8 Edw. 2. Tom. 2. of the Couchir-Books in the Dutchy-Office Comitatus Middlesex Alice the Widow of this Thomas had the Earldom of Lincoln restored unto her by the King during her Life 20 die Septembris 1322. 16 Edw. 2. She had also the Mannor of Halton in Cheshire cùm pertinentiis restored unto her for her Life 12 die Julii 16 Edw. 2. in which Deed she is stiled Countess of Lincoln and Salisbury Lib. C. fol. 68. l. Afterwards she married Sir Eubulo le Strange without the Kings Consent about 1325. 19 Edw. 2. but had no Issue by him Eubulo Lord Strange was in her Right made Earl of Lincoln Vincent upon Broke pag. 320. and he died about 7 Edw. 3. 1333. For 9 Edw. 3. I find Alice stiled Countess of Lincoln and Salisbury Lib. C. fol. 69. p. q. After this Alice married Hugh de Frenes to her third Husband who usurped the Title of Earl of Lincoln in her Right and died 1334. Walsingham pag. 134. but had no Issue by her Concerning this Alice and one Richard de St. Martin I shall give you here the Story out of Walsingham sub Anno 1317. 10 Edw. 2. pag. 108 109. On Monday before Ascension-day 1317. the Countess of Lancaster was Ravished at Caneford in Dorsetshire by a certain Knight of the House of John Earl of Warren very many of the English being assistant to that detestable Fact and by the Kings Assent as it was said She was brought in great Triumph to the Earl Warren 's Castle of Ryegate in disgrace of her Husband Thomas Earl of Lancaster and by the way the Conductors supposing they had seen Flags or Banners between the Hedges and Woods of Halton and Farnham afar off which was nothing but Priests in their Surplices walking Procession with the People in the Fields according to their Custom were struck with a great fear thinking the Earl of Lancaster her Husband had been coming with a Power to revenge her Injury and so ran away leaving the Lady almost all alone But the matter being discovered they returned with Threatnings and Pomp with whom there was a low lame hulch-back'd Fellow of a malicious spirit called Richard dè St. Martin who being backed with great Aid challenged the miserably-derided Lady for his Wife protesting that he carnally knew her before she married the Earl of Lancaster which she openly acknowledged to be true And although she was reputed a most Noble Lady all her life-time before she was by the Wheel of Fortune proclaimed an odious Strumpet And the said Richard triumphing over her presumes to challenge the Earldoms of Lincoln and Salisbury in the King's Court as in Right of his Wife but in vain as shall after appear more fully Thus Walsingham But here seems to be great improbability in this Story Cambden tells us out of the Book of Stanlaw Monastery that she was but nine Years old when she married Thomas Earl of Lancaster Lincolnshire pag. 409. And then St. Martin must lie with her before she was nine Years old which is not probable And then these Actions and Words done and said unto her in time of Hostility to make the Earl odious might be given out against her as if she had confessed the Fact though perhaps an absolute Falsity Nor is it likely Eubulo Lord Strange would have married her as he did had these things been true which are here related by Walsingham This Countess Alice died Anno Domini 1348. 22 Edw. 3. Annóque aetatis suae sexagesimo septimo and was Buried at Berlyng Abby by Eubulo her second Husband Monasticon 2 Pars pag. 190. leaving no Issue by any of her Husbands Now for the Lands which were the Inheritance belonging to this Alice they are said to be worth 10000 Marks per Annum and more howbeit she had not above 3000 Marks thereof per Annum allowed her by the King Monasticon Pars 2. pag. 189. b. The Inheritance of Henry Lacy was so setled upon the Marriage of Alice his Daughter and Heir that in Case Henry Lacy had no Heirs of his Body in defect of such then his Lands were to revert to Edmund the King's Brother and to his Heirs for ever Dated 28 Octobris 22 Edw. 1. 1294. Lib. C. fol. 67. f. Monasticon Pars 2. pag. 189. a. So Alice having no Issue all Henry Lacy's Lands came to the Earls of Lancaster But before I proceed it will be requisite I say something here of the Earls of Lancaster before Thomas Plantagenet The first Earl of Lancaster I meet withal was John sir-named Without Land younger Brother to King Richard the First He was afterwards King John and therefore I shall say the less of him The next Earl of Lancaster was Edmund Plantagenet sir-named Crook-back younger Son to King Henry the Third and Brother to King Edward the First He had given him by his Father Honorem Comitatum Castrum Villam de Lancaster omia Dominica nostra quae sunt in Comitatu Lancastriae cùm Vaccariis Forestis de Wiresdale Lounsdale Novum Castrum subtùs Limam Manerium Forestam Castrum de Pickering Manerium de Scaleby Villam de Gomecester redditúmque Villatae de Huntendon Dated at St. Pauls in London 30 die Junii 51 Hen. 3. 1267. Lib. C. fol. 71. e. Tom. 1. of the Couchir-Books in the Dutchy-Office fol. 1. num 1. So he was made Earl of Lancaster 1267. He was also Earl of Leycester and High Steward of England by Patent dated 25 die Octobris 49 Hen. 3. 1265. upon the Forfeiture of Simon de Montfort Earle of Leycester who was slain at the Battel of Evesham 5 die Augusti 1265. He was made Earl of Derby at Kenillworth 28 Junii 50 Hen. 3. wherein he hath granted unto him Castra omnes terras quae fuerunt Roberti de Ferrariis quondà m Comitis Derbiae qui Simoni de Monteforti quondà m Comiti Leycestriae Inimico Feloni nostro Imprisis suis adhaesit tempore Guerrae quae nupèr in Regno nostro mota fuit per ipsum Simonem Lib. C. fol. 71. g. Tom. 1. of the Couchir-Books in the Dutchy-Office fol. 3. num 11. Which Robert de Ferrars was also Lord of Tutbury and was afterwards bound unto this Edmund with William de Valentia Earl of Pembroke John Warren Earl of Surrey William de Beauchampe Earl of Warwick and many other Sureties for the Payment of 50000 l. Sterling in Quindenâ Johannis Baptistae proximè venturâ 53 Hen. 3. for the Redemption of his Lands Lib. C. fol. 71. I. But I find not that they were ever redeemed This Edmund was Invested King of Sicily
and Apuly with a Ring sent from the Pope by the Bishop of Romania 1255. 39 Hen. 3. Mat. Paris But it was a meer delusion for he never had it He had the Castle of Kenilworth given him 16 Decembris 51 Hen. 3. Lib. C. fol. 71. f. And the Savoy-House in London by the Gift of Queen Elinor his Mother 24 die Februarii 12 Edw. 1. 1283. Lib. C. fol. 72. n. And the Castle of Chartley he had by the Grant of his Brother King Edward the First 26 die Julii 4 Edw. 1. 1276. Lib. C. fol. 72. k. Anno Domini 1271. 55 Hen. 3. in the Month of May Prince Edward Son of King Henry with Edmund his Brother and four Earls and so many Barons and many other Gentlemen took a Voyage into the Holy Land So Mat. Paris Edmund Earl of Lancaster married to his first Wife Aveline Daughter and Heir to William de Fortibus Earl of Albemarle and Holderness and Widow to Ingram de Percy Aveline and all her Issue died before her Parents but left no Issue by her Vincent upon Broke pag. 293. He married her the eighth day of April 1270. Mat. Paris pag. 1006. of the Edition by Wats sed cùm totâ prole illa mortem Parentum praevenit Walsingham in his Hypodigma Neustriae placeth her Marriage with Edmund Anno 1269. His second Wife was Blanch Queen of Navarre the Widow of Henry de Champaigne King of Navarre and Daughter of Robert Earl of Artois Brother of St. Lewis King of France in whose Right Edmund was Earl of Champaigne 7 Edw. 1. So as he was now Earl of Lancaster Leycester Derby and Champaigne and High Steward of England Vincent on Broke Tit. Lancaster pag. 293. By Blanch the King of Navarre had Issue Joan married to Philip the Fair King of France Vincent pag. 293. Blanch married Edmund Earl of Lancaster Anno Domini 1276. and by him had Issue three Sons Thomas Earl of Lancaster the eleventh Baron of Halton in Right of his Wife of whom I have spoken before who Rebelled against his Prince and died without Issue Henry de Lancaster Lord of Monmouth second Son afterwards Earl of Lancaster and Heir to his Brother Thomas And John third Son who lived with the Queen of France his Half-Sister and died there without Issue Hypodigma Neustriae pag. 473. Lib. C. pag. 73. a. b. Vincent pag. 293. will have the Queen of Navarr's Name here to be Elinour and not Blanch from a Record which he there voucheth Quaere if that Record be not mistaken for I find her called Blanch in sundry Deeds in the Register-Books of the Duke of Lancasters Evidences in the Dutchy-Office called The two Couchir-Books Anno Domini 1296. 24 Edw. 1. this Edmund the King's Brother and Henry Lacy Earl of Lincoln went into Gascoyn with a strong Army where many Castles were delivered unto them but when they came within two Miles of Burdeaux the French Army coming out of Burdeaux as it were unawares upon them after a sore Conflict retreated to the City and the Earls burned a great part of the Suburbs And shortly after Edmund died Hypodigma Neustriae pag. 483. Ob. 1296 XII Henry of Lancaster Lord of Monmouth sir-named Grismond second Son of Edmund Crook-back and Brother and Heir to Thomas Plantagenet Earl of Lancaster was restored to all his Brothers Lands and Honors 1 Edw. 3. Anno Domini 1326. and then his Titles were thus Henricus Comes Lancastriae Leycestriae Seneschallus Angliae Lib. C. fol. 74. k. 13 Edw. 3. And he was the twelfth Baron of Halton He married Maud Daughter and sole Heir of Sir Patrick de Chaworth or de Gadurcis Lord of Kidwelly in Caermarthenshire and of Ogmore Castle in Glamorganshire Cambden's Britannia Printed 1607. pag. 619. sub Titulo Lancastriae Lib. C. fol. 73. d. This Maud was formerly given to Edmund Son of Henry Lacy Earl of Lincoln by Edward the First Anno 1282. being then a Girl but five Years old which Edmund died very young before he came to Maturity without Issue as you may see above in Henry Lacy. Henry Earl of Lancaster had Issue by this Maud onely one Son Henry made Earl of Derby in his Fathers Life-time to wit 1336. 11 Edw. 3. Hypodigma Neustriae and Vincent pag. 297. And six Daughters Blanch married Thomas Lord Wake of Lidell Maud married William Lord Burgh Earl of Ulster in Ireland and after to Sir Rafe Ufford Joan married John Lord Mowbray of Axholme Isabel was Abbess of Ambersbury Elinour first married to John Son of Henry Lord Beaumont and Earl of Bughan in Scotland after to Richard Earl of Arundel And Mary sixth Daughter married Henry Lord Percy of Alnwick So Broke in his Catalogue of Nobility This Henry of Lancaster with others was sent by the Queen into Wales where the King then sculked to take King Edward the Second her Husband whom they took with Hugh Spenser the Son Robert de Baldock and Simon de Reading The King was committed to the Custody of this Henry of Lancaster This was in Anno 1326. Soon after this was the King deposed and Edward his young Son made King by the Name of Edward the Third Which young King was Knighted by this Henry Earl of Lancaster Walsingham Hist Ang. Edw. 2. pag. 125 126 127. But this Henry was in nothing more infamous than in betraying his Lawful Sovereign Obiit 1345 Anno Domini 1345. obiit Henricus Grismond Frater Thomae Comitis Lancastriae Jacet apud Leycestriam X Calendas Octobris which is the twenty second of our September 19 Edw. 3. A Manuscript in the University Library at Oxford among the Books given by Archbishop Laud of an ancient Character noted G. 9. fol. 125. And Walsingham's Hist Ang. Edw. 3. pag. 165. thus Anno 1345. 19 Edw. 3. obiit Henricus Comes Lancastriae Pater Henrici Comitis de Derby Sepultus est Leycestriae in Monasterio Canonicorum Praesentibus Rege Reginâ tà m antiquâ quà m novâ Archiepiscopis Episcopis Comitibus Baronibus quasi totius Regni Filius ejus eo tempore in Wasconiâ ut praefertur actus bellicosos strenuos exercebat quamobrèm interesse non potuit exequiis Patris sui XIII Henry of Monmouth sir-named Tort-Coll or Wry-neck onely Son of Henry Grismond succeeded his Father in all his Lands and Honors and was the thirteenth Baron of Halton He was Earl of Derby in his Fathers Life-time Created 16 Martii 11 Edw. 3. After his Fathers death his Title was thus 21 Edw. 3. 1346. Henricus Comes Lancastriae Derbiae Leycestriae Seneschallus Angeliae Lib. C. fol. 75. o. He was Created Earl of Lincoln 23 Edw. 3. and then his Stile was 1349. Henricus Comes Lancastriae Derbiae Leycestriae Lincolniae Seneschallus Angliae Lib. C. fol. 75. P. Lastly He was Created Duke of Lancaster 6 Martii 25 Edw. 3. 1350. Vincent pag. 297. Selden's Titles of Honour pag. 754. But Walsingham placeth his
of Arley gives this Town being of the Fee of the Barony of Halton unto William Son of Hothy of Hatton in these Words SCiant praesentes futuri Quòd ego Galfridus de Dutton Filius Adae de Dutton dedi Willielmo Filio Huthi de Hatton totam Villam de Hatton c. Reddendo indè annuatìm unum Nisum vel sex Denarios ad Festum Sancti Jacobi Apostoli pro omnibus Servitiis Salvo tamèn forinseco Servitio Domini Regis Sectâ Curiae de Halton c. Testibus Domino Hamone de Mascy Domino Hugone de Dutton Thomâ de Orreby Gilberto de Limme c. The Original of this Deed remained in possession of William Merbury of Merbury nigh Great Budworth Esquire Anno Domini 1572. And an ancient Copy thereof in Parchment remains now 1666. among the Evidences of Robert Pickering of Thelwall Counsellor at Law In the Feodary of Halton under Edw. 2. Dominus Petrus de Warburton tenet Villam de Hatton pro decimâ parte unius Feodi Militis SCiant praesentes futuri Quòd ego Adam de Hatton dedi Alano Filio Ricardi de Hellesby in libero Maritagio cùm Beatrice Filiâ meâ quandam Terram quae vocatur Quisty cùm omnibus pertinentiis ac quintam partem Dominii Villae de Hatton cùm quinta parte totius Bosci Wasti ejusdem villae Reddendo indè annuatìm mihi Haeredibus meis de se Haeredibus suis de dicta Beatrice Genitis in Domo Capitali de Hatton manentibus unam Sagittam ad Nativitatem Sancti Johannis Baptistae Testibus Hugone de Dutton Petro de Thorneton c. The Orignal penès Grimsdich of Grimsdich in Nether-Whitley 1572. but taken by me out of Bostock's Book of Collections fol. 62. n. belonging to Sir Simon Dewes Baronet 1649. This Town gave Name to the Family of the Hattons residing here The Hattons of Quisty-Birches continuing until Peter Hatton Gentleman with his two Sons Richard and Thomas sold unto Robert Pickering Counsellor at Law for the Sum of 1230 l. the Capital Messuage of Quisty-Birches and five Messuages in Hatton Dated 1 die Maii 13 Car. 2. 1661. Mr. Pickering bought also six Messuages more in Hatton from Mr. Moores 1653. and which Mr. Moores bought formerly part from Merbury of Merbury nigh Comberbach and part from Starkey of Stretton One other Messuage in Hatton Mr. Pickering bought from Merbury of Walton I find the Town of Hatton nigh Daresbury scattered into several Parcels among the Daughters and Heirs of Adam Hatton Son of William de Hatton For Anno Gratiae 1290. 18 Edw. 1. Simon de Aston Agnes Uxor ejus John Merbury and Cicely his Wife Randle Newton and Isabel his Wife do Covenant for them and their Heirs to pay unto Thomas de Walton and his Heirs two Shillings yearly for which Thomas and his Heirs are to do Suit of Court to Halton to wit that which Adam de Hatton formerly did for the Town of Hatton Lib. C. fol. 4. a. At this day 1666. Robert Pickering of Thelwall aforesaid Esquire is Lord of the greatest Part of Hatton The Remainder is now enjoyed by these Persons following who have Free-hold Lands here 1. Thomas Penkith 2. Thomas Dunbabbin 3. Richard Wood. 4. The Heirs of one Southerne 5. John Dunbabbin 6. Thomas Hatton 7. Robert Webster a little Parcel 8. Grimsdich of Grimsdich 9. Rafe Starkey of Newton Lawyer 10. Richard Rutter of Moore two Tenements bought of Merbury of Walton 11. Coppocke 12. Another Hatton 13. Peter Lightfoot Hull vide Appulton Kekwick THis small Village of Kekwick is of the Ancient Fee of the Barons of Halton but not mentioned in Doomsday-Book It belonged to the Duttons of Dutton very anciently even from the Time of Henry the First whose Heirs ever since enjoyed the same until by the Award of Henry the Eighth it was allotted among other Lands to the Daughters and Co-heirs of Sir Thomas Dutton of Dutton 26 Hen. 8. 1534. and came to the Part of Margaret one of the Daughters of Sir Thomas Dutton aforesaid who married Thomas Aston of Aston nigh Sutton Esquire and whose Heirs have ever since enjoyed the same Sir Willoughby Aston Baronet being now possessed thereof entirely 1666. Nether-Knotsford WIlliam Fitz-Nigell Baron of Halton held Cunetesford under Hugh Lupus Earl of Chester as we read in Doomsday-Book and one Erchbrand then held it of William But whether that Knotsford so held by this William comprehended any more than that which is now a distinct Township of it self called * Or Over-Knotsford Knotsford-Booths and is at this day in Halton-Fee is some Quaere Certain it is William de Tabley Lord of Over-Tabley was also Lord of both Knotsfords Nether-Knotsford and Over-Knotsford in the Reign of King Edward the First as may appear by this following Charter wherein he Institutes Burgesses in both Knotsfords the Original whereof is in my Possession Q. num 11. SCiant praesentes futuri Quòd ego Willielmus Dominus de Tabley that is Over-Tabley dedi concessi hâc praesenti Chartâ meâ confirmavi omnibus singulis Burgensibus meis de Knotsford Burgagia libera unumquodquè infrà se continens duas Seliones dimidium Terrae Habendum Tenendum de me Haeredibus meis vel Assignatis sibi Haeredibus suis vel Assignatis eorum liberè quietè benè in pace jure Haereditario in perpetuùm cùm Housbold Haybold Burgensibus de Knotsford in nemore de Knotsford in Turbarià Et cùm Housbold Haybold Burgensibus de Boys id est Knotsford-Booths sive Over-Knotsford in nemore de Boys Turbariam Communem Pasturam utrique eorum de Boys Knotsford omnibus animalibus suis infrà metas de Knotsford metas de Boys quantum praefata Terra poterit sustinere in Hyeme liberam Communam in Morâ de Cressewalleclef sicut medietas aquae praecucurrit ad metendum ad falcandum salvâ venditione ejusdem Herbagii Reddendo indè annuatìm mihi Haeredibus meis vel Assignatis de quolibet Burgagio XII Denarios ad duos Anni terminos videlicèt sex Denarios ad Festum Sancti Johannis Baptistae sex Denarios ad Festum Sancti Martini in Hyeme Et unusquisque eorum tertium meliorem Porcum nomine Pannagii pro Porcis suis nutritis infrà metas Willielmi qui pingues sunt de Pesonâ ejusdem Willielmi Et quòd dicti Burgenses molant blada sua ad molendinum meum de Knotsford pro XX grano Et si contigerit quòd molendinarius aliquod damnum Sutoribus ad molendinum fecerit per Vicinos suos secundùm quantitatem delicti in Curiâ emendabit Et quicunque dictorum Burgensium panem desiderat obtinere in Furno pistum infrà quatuor portas Villae pro quoquo Bushell unum Obolum Furnario meo praestabit quòd nullus eorum infrà quatuor portas Villae nullum Furnum elevabit Et
cause Thomas Haselford to grant the Marriage of Elizabeth his Daughter and Heir to the said Cicely And after on Tuesday post Clausum Paschae 21 Rich. 2. the said Mary Levied a Fine of eight Marks Rent in Knotsford of the fourth Part of the Mannor of Knotsford of the fourth Part of the Market Fair Toll and Stallage of Nether-Knotsford to John Brunstath Parson of Mobberley and to Thomas Swetenham of Mobberley who re-grant the same to Mary as before c. and to Sir Hugh Hulse c. as in the former Covenant And afterward Mary died in the same Year 21 Rich. 2. her Daughter Joan the Wife of Thomas Haselford being dead before her The said Cicely one of the Daughters of the last William de Mobberley and Sister and Co-heir of Sir Raufe Mobberley of Mobberley and Widow to John Dumbill of Mobberley makes Sir John Massy of Tatton her Attorney to receive all Toll and other Profits in Knotsford belonging to her jure Haereditatis post decessum Mariae de Tabley tùnc nupèr defunctae Which Cicely died 5 Hen. 4. and whose Daughter Margery married Sir Hugh Hulse She had also a Daughter called Ellen who as I conceive died without Issue This Sir Hugh Hulse having now got in all Titles to the five Parts in six to be divided of William de Tabley's Moyety and having the Marriage and Custody of Elizabeth Daughter and Heir of Thomas Hasselford granted unto him he married the said Elizabeth to David Hulse Son of John Hulse of Norbury in Cheshire To which David Sir Hugh Hulse gave all his Lands in Knotsford 3 Hen. 5. This Right continued in the Heirs of the said David Hulse until Hugh de Hulse sold the same unto Richard Brereton of Tatton Esquire 32 Elizabethae 1590. And so the whole Royalty of Nether-Knotsford was invested in the Lords of Tatton Which Richard setled all his Estate having no Issue on Sir Thomas Egerton Lord Chancellor of England from whom the Earls of Bridgewater Su far out of the Notes sent me by John Halsey Esquire ⚜ The Earl of Bridgewater then is now Lord of Nether-Knotsford 1667. wherein are above forty Charterers at this day I have seen the Copy of a Deed in a Book of Collections by John Booth of Twamlow in Cheshire noted Lib. H. pag. 137. f. taken out of an ancient Parchment Roll penès Davenport of Henbury wherein John Hall Mayor of Knotsford is Subscribed as Witness about the later end of Edward the First in these Words SCiant Quòd ego Robertus Filius Johannis Hurne dedi Yockin * Hukin de Duiton duo Burgagia quae habui ex dono Patris mei in Villâ de Knotsford Reddendo indè annuatìm Domino Capitali Villae de Knotsford qui pro tempore fuerit octodecem Denarios Testibus Domino Rogero de Venables Rectore Ecclesiae de Rosthorne Rogero de Toft Johanne de Bexton Johanne de Aulâ tùnc Majore Villae de Knotsford Thomâ Snowball Eliâ Rotario Johanne Coco c. I have also seen an Original Deed noted D. num 9. then in the possession of George Wilson of Nether-Knotsford June 2. 1650. wherein Adam Putill grants unto John Cooke totam illam medietatem illius Burgagii quòd habui juxtà Burgagium Johannis Gleyve de quo quidèm Burgagio ego dictus Adam feoffavi Reginaldum Pistorem in aliâ medietate illius Burgagii in Villâ de Knotsford Reddendo Aliciae Generosae Dominae annuatìm duodecem Denarios c. Et post obitum ejusdem Aliciae duodecem Denarios Domino Villae de Knotsford c. Hiis Testibus Johanne de Legh Rogero de Toft Johanne de Aulâ tùnc Majore de Knotsford Elyâ Rotario Thomâ Lilicock Thomâ Snowball Ricardo Kylting Rogero Filio Jordani aliis Lib. C. fol. 221. b.  The Mize  l. s. d. Nether-Knotsford 00 13 04 Over-Knotsford cùm Norbury-Booths 00 06 08 Bexton 00 02 09 Toft 00 08 00 Owlarton 00 08 00  01 18 09 On the West side of the Steeple is Legh of Booths Coat Quartered with another as is expressed in the Margin and a little above that under the Window where the Bells hang is written on the Stone ROBERT WEBSTER AND MAUD HIS WIFE WILLIAM HEFELD AND MARGERY HIS WIFE These probably were Benefactors to the Building of that Steeple with Stone which was in the Reign of Henry the Eighth There is also a Chappel of Ease situated within the Lower Town of Knotsford with a School-house adjoyning Sir John Legh of Booths purchased from the King certain Lands in Nether-Knotsford Sudlow and Over-Knotsford 3 Edw. 6. which in old time were given for the finding of a sufficient School-master at Nether-Knotsford and also for finding of a Priest to say Service in the said Chappel which Lands came to the King by the Statute of Dissolution of Chantries and Abbies Now the said Sir John Legh was bound in a Recognisance of 200 Marks to the King to pay out of those Lands 5 l. 6 s. 8 d. yearly to the Maintenance of a School-master and to suffer the said Chappel to stand for Administration of the Communion Dated 3 Edw. 6. And which Moneys are yearly paid by his Heirs at this day An ancient Copy of which Recognizance remains with me 1667. Over-Knotsford alias Knotsford-Booths OVer-Knotsford is belonging to the ancient Fee of the Barons of Halton In the Feodary of Halton under Edward the Second it is said Johannes de Legh tenet Knotsford-Booths pro sextâ parte unius Feodi Militis This Town of Knotsford-Booths with Norbury-Booths William de Tabley Leased to Sir John Orreby for the Life of Sir John 11 Edw. 1. Sir John Orrely selleth his Title herein to John Legh and Ellen his Wife and afterwards William de Tabley releaseth to John Legh and his Heirs all his Right in Knotsford-Booths and Norbury-Booths die Martis proximè ante Festum Sancti Bartholomaei Apostoli 28 Edw. 1. 1300. Lib. C. fol. 219. b. c. d. e. g. The Heirs of this John Legh have ever since enjoyed the same to this day 1667. Peter Legh of Booths Esquire being now Lord thereof and under Age. There are now about twelve small Charterers in Knotsford-Booths ⚜ This John Legh who Purchased Knotsford-Booths cùm Norbury-Booths from William de Tabley was younger Son of William Venables de Bradwell by Agnes his second Wife Daughter and Heir of Richard Legh of High-Legh de West-Hall Lord of the Moiety of High-Legh and Widow of Richard de Limme This John being brought up with his Mother in High-Legh was sir-named de Legh from the Place of his Residence as was the manner of those Ages which Sir-name his Posterity retained and bear the Coat of Arms of Venables with the distinction of a Bend Gules even to this day William Venables Father of this John de Legh was younger Brother to Sir Hugh Venables of Kinderton which William gave to John de Legh his Son Lands in Rosthorn which
died in France 35 Edw. 3. 1361. without any Lawful Issue of his Body Sir Raufe had by Alice Rode his Concubine a Daughter called Margaret married to Thomas Toft younger Brother to Hugh Toft of Toft to whom Sir Raufe Mobberley gave his Mannor in Plumley 1357. Afterwards Margaret married Hugh Chaderton living 1360. Lib. C. fol. 226. v. Lib. A. fol. 129. hh These Lands in Plumley descended to the two Daughters and Co-heirs of Margaret by Thomas Toft to wit Ellen who married John Bodon of Plumley and Sybill who married Thomas Haslington of the Ermitage nigh Holmes-Chappel John Bodon Son of John Bodon aforesaid sold his Moiety of these Lands in Plumley to John Leycester of Tabley the elder Esquire 25 Hen. 6. 1446. whose Heirs enjoy the same at this day S. num 2 3 5 6 9. The other Moiety of those Lands in Plumley descended unto Cicely Daughter and Heir of Sybill aforesaid which Cicely married Hugh Winnington of Northwich 1444. and ever since continued to the VVinningtons of Ermitage until Mr. Bradshaw of Marple in Cheshire bought those Lands from VVinnington in the Reign of King CHARLES the First Thomas Buckley of Plumley being now Tenant thereof 1666. The Sisters of Sir Raufe Mobberley shared their Mothers Land in Chorley but Emme Grosvenour purchased most of the other Sisters Parts Lib. A. fol. 127. w. x. y. aa So ended the Line of Mobberley of Mobberley The Mannor-House of Mobberley of Mobberley and which at last came to the Talbots of Grafton in VVorcestershire stood close by Mobberly-Church where now 1672. the House of Mr. Mallory of Mobberley standeth But the ancient Fabrick which was more spacious and very ruinous was not long since taken down Which Old House with the Demain thereof together with the Advowson of Mobberley-Church and Mobberley-Mill was bought by Andrew Carrington of Mobberley Gentleman from George Talbot of Grafton Esquire about 14 Jacobi Part of which Demain was sold soon after by Carrington to Robert Robinson of Mobberley Gentleman The Advowson of the Church was sold by Andrew Carrington aforesaid and John his Son and Heir unto Thomas Mallory Dean of Chester by Deed dated the eleventh day oâ— October 17 Jacobi 1619. whose Heir Thomas Mallory now under Age is Patron of Mobberley-Church 1672. Son of Thomas Son of Richard Mallory Son and Heir of Dean Mallory aforesaid The Mannor-House aforesaid with what remained of the Demain unbought by Mr. Robinson was sold by Andrew Carrington aforesaid and John his Son and Heir unto Dean Mallory the eighth of May Anno primo Caroli Primi 1625. Dean Mallory also Purchased the Royalty of Talbot's Part of Mobberley from John Talbot Earl of Shrewsbury Dated the twentieth day of March 7 Car. 1. 1631. The Mill Carrington sold to Legh of Booths There is Engraven in the Stone under the Ledge or Border on the West-end of Mobberley-Steeple and on the South-west-corner as followeth ORATE PRO BONO STATU DOMINI JOHANNIS TALBOT MILITIS ET DOMINAE MARGARETAE UXORIS SUAE And then beginning again just over the said Border in the very Corner of the Steeple aforesaid PATRONAE ECCLESIAE And so passing along to the South-side of the Steeple ANNO DOMINI MILESIMO QUINGENTESIMO TRICESIMO TERTIO RICHARD PLAT MASTER-MASON Over which on the said South-side above near to the Little Window under the Bells is Ratcliff's Coat of Arms Quartered with another Coat engraven in a Stone So that Mobberley-Steeple seems to have been built with Free-stone and the Church repaired Anno 1533. 24 Hen. 8. The Names of all such Persons who now stand possessed of any Free-hold Lands of Inheritance in Mobberley Anno Domini 1672. 1. Raufe Leycester of Toft Esquire Lord of a third Part of one Moiety of Mobberley This came originally to his Ancestor as is before declared 2 Rich. 2. 1379. And he hath at this day a Demain-House there re-built this Year 1672. and also sixteen Tenenements and twelve Cottages in Lease to his Tenants 2. The other two third Parts of this Moiety together with the Advowson of Mobberley-Church lately belonged to the Talbots of Grafton in Worcestershire whose Posterity afterwards came to be Earls of Shrewsbury and were lately sold away by Talbot to his Tenants here in Mobberley in the Reign of King James Talbot's Lands as they now stand Possessed 1672. or more briefly the Freeholders of Mobberley in Talbot's Part since their several Purchases from Talbot as they now stand 1672. Edward Alcock Charles Bradbury of the Wood-end Randle Barlow Robert Barlow late Griffin's House Thomas Booth Hugh Brook late Wilkinson's John Hough William Barnes John Davenport for Mosse's House by the Mill A small Cottage Richard Strethull's Cottage formerly Hobson's House by the Mill. Hugh Strethull of Brown-Edge James Stewart of Brown-Edge Schoolmaster Raufe Wrenshaw of Brown-Edge Francis Newton of Knowl-Green late John Baggiley Hugh Strethull of Salterley in Mobberley Edward Davenport Roger Symcock late Stretche's House Hugh Strethull of Reyley-Wood Richard Wright part of Worseley's Tenement John Hawkinson late Bolton's Tenement John Hewet John Oakes Richard Parker late Edward Hewet's Roger Worthington of Hield-Mill in Mobberley and also for Hill-house John Burges of Wood-end Susan Grange Widow Henry Stewart formerly Berry's Tenement John Fletcher formerly Berry's Tenement John Holland of the Dam-head in Mobberley George Talbot of Grafton Esq sells the Tenement of John Strettle of the Dam-head to one Perine of Manchester 1 Junii 14 Jacobi Perine Mortgageth it to Francis West of London 16 Aug. 14 Jacobi West and Perine after joyn in the Sale of it to William Holland 1650. Peter Bredbury of Lea-House William Nuthall now Richard Yarwood Widow Tipping of Bowdon hath a Tenement in Mobberley now in possession of Richard Cragg of Baggiley-Green in Mobberley Peter Legh of Booths Esq hath Mobberley-Mill and three Tenements now in Possession of Loundes Barrow and Symcock and also Graisty's Cottage These were anciently Talbot's The Heir of Nathaniel Robinson Gentleman hath part of the Demain which belonged to the old Mobberley-House formerly belonging to Talbot Thomas Mallory of Mobberley Gentleman now under Age. This was the old Mobberley House And he hath also the Royalty of all Talbot's Part of Mobberley and the Advowson of the Church 3. The other Moiety of Mobberley lately belonging to the Radcliffs of Ordsall in Lancashire nigh Manchester was sold away by Sir John Radcliff about the beginning of King James's Reign over England to his Tenants there The Names of the Free-holders in Radcliff's Part since the several Purchases from Radcliffe as they now stand 1672. The Heir of Nathaniel Robinson late of Mobberley Gentleman hath now seven Messuages and eleven Cottages in Mobberley besides a Demain-House here built first by Robert Robinson about 1612. who Purchased these Lands by the Name of Robert Robinson of Manchester Clothier from Sir John Radcliff of Ordsall Knight together with the Royalty of all Radcliffs Lands in Mobberley formerly sold by Radcliff to his Tenants here and
all the old Rents reserved to Radcliff amounting in the whole to 23 l. 00 s. 00 d. yearly or thereabout by Deed dated the 19 of April 4 Jacobi 1606. for which he paid 1530 l. Purchase-Money Randle Blackshaw This was bought from Sir John Radcliff of Ordsall by Deed dated the eighth day of August 1611. and is said to be the Ancient Demain-House of Mobberley which did belong to Radcliff Peter Legh of Booths Es Esq hath three Tenements in Radcliff's Part now in Tenure of George Leycester Cookson and the Fox-house John Gleave of High-Legh Owner of Holden-Cliff-House in Mobberley Roger Symcock lately Purchased from Mrs. Martha Hurleston formerly Oldfield's Lands Homfrey Cherry lately Purchased from Mrs. Martha Hurleston formerly Oldfield's Lands William Coppock lately Purchased from Mrs. Martha Hurleston formerly Oldfield's Lands Rafe Shaw lately Purchased from Mrs. Martha Hurleston formerly Oldfield's Lands Richard Parker for Mere-House sold away by Mr. Robinson Richard Yarwood for Bowers John Anson sold by Mr. Robinson Richard Seddall of Wood-end Richard Bruch formerly Duncalf's Thomas Hield of the Broad-Oak in Mobberley John Strethull late Bateson's House Roger Hewet of Pavement-Lane Henry Hasselhurst Richard Rowlinson of Roanes pro Fox-house VVilliam Hobson George Stubs John Symcock of the Dub'd-Hedge Daniel Yarwood formerly Oldrinshaw's Homfrey Lea. John Baggiley of the Mosse-side Widow Strethull of the Town-Lane John Holland of Dam-head hath certain Parcels of Land in Ratcliff's Part sold away by Mr. Robinson 1639. Urmeston's Lands in Mobberley bought for Pious Uses Thomas Whitchcot late John Radford's Peter Bradbury of Brook-bank a Cottage Robert Ridgeway a Cottage More THis Town of More is of the Fee of Halton Roger Lacy Constable of Cheshire and Baron of Halton had a Brother called Richard to whom he gave the Town of More and afterwards the said Richard became Leprous and was buried in the Chapter-house of the Canons of Norton Monasticon Vol. 1. pag. 860. This was about the Reign of King Richard the First The Name More signifieth a more barren Ground than Marshes be a Miry and Moorish Soil yet serveth not to get Turfs thereon Coke upon Littleton fol. 5. a. The Inhabitants of More and Runcorn were formerly Copy-holders to the Barons of Halton but have lately bought out their own Land to hold in Fee-farm in Free and Common Soccage of the Mannor of Enfield in the County of Middlesex the Kings Grant bearing date the ninth day of September 4 Car. 1. 1628. save onely these Persons following who now are and their Ancestors anciently before them were Free-holders in the Mannor of More and not Fee-farmers as followeth Free-holders or Charterers in More 1666. 1. Henry Porter of More This hath continued in the Name of Porter since Edward the Fourth This Free-hold before belonged to one Peter Arderne in the Reign of Edward the First as by the Deed now in Possession of this Henry Porter appeareth 2. Sir Richard Brooks of Norton Baronet hath now about twenty Cheshire Acres of Free-Land in More as late belonging to the Priory of Norton and also about six Acres more of Free-hold Land adjoyning lately bought from Crosby of Over-Whitley 3. These were all purchased from Brook of Norton and Brook bought them of Harper of Newton Robert Pickering of Thelwall Esquire Counsellor at Law hath one Janion's House Richard Rutter hath also other Free-hold Land Richard Dutton of Mosse-end other Free-hold Land 4. Widow Harper hath now also certain Free-hold Land in More Newton juxta Daresbury THis Town according to its Name is not of so great Antiquity For I find it granted by Parcels and Enclosures and Closes some in Henry the Third's Time some under Edward the First and some in the Reign of Edward the Second by the Ancestors of VVarburton of Arley before they had relinquished their proper Sir-name of Dutton who were Lords thereof from King John's Time unto this present 1666. The Charterers now in Newton 1666. Sable a Cross engrailed Ermine And in 11 Edw. 4. 1471. Thomas Chickford and Elizabeth his Wife Daughter and Heir of Robert de Hallum Son and Heir of William de Hallum sold the Mannor of Hallum to Sir John Nedham sometime Judge of Chester who setled the same upon Robert Nedham his younger Brother whose Line failing at last for want of Heirs Males it descended to Robert Nedham of Shenton Esquire 21 Eliz. from whom the Lord Kilmorie now Owner of Hallum 1666. I speak here out of the Lord Kilmorie's Evidences 2. Rafe Starky of Morthwait in Newton Lawyer whose Ancestor Thomas Starky married Agnes Sister and Heir of Thomas Harper and Daughter of Richard Harper of Newton 32 Hen. 6. Lib. C. fol. 205. g. 3. Grimsdich of Grimsdich in Nether-Whitley hath also Lands in Newton which Thomas Grimsdich then of Hallum by Lease bought of John Daniell of Daresbury 12 Hen. 8. Lib. C. fol. 194. num 44 46 47. And which Lands John Daniell Ancestor of the said John had in Marriage with Jonet Daughter and Heir of Thomas Hallum of Newton 1 Hen. 6. Lib. C. fol. 193. num 36 37. 4. Robert Venables of Anterbus in the Lordship of Over-Whitley hath Lands in Newton 5. John Starky of Newton Norton THis Township of Norton was given by William Constable of Cheshire the younger Son of William Fitz-Nigell unto the Canons of Runcorne in exchange for Lands in Runcorne and so he removed the Canons of Runcorne to Norton about the Reign of King Stephen Anno 1135. Monasterium de Norton in Comitatu Cestriae Fundatur à Willielmo Filio Nigelli Constabulario Cestriae Historia Aurea Johannis Tynemytensis lib. 19. cap. 41. A Manuscript in the Publick Library at Oxford inter Libros Juris v. 4. num 4. Wherewith also agreeth Polychronicon lib. 7. cap. 17. Monasticon Vol. 2. pag. 187. tells us William Fitz-Nigell Founded a Religious House of Canons Regular at Runcorne Anno Domini 1133. And afterwards William Constable of Cheshire the younger removed them from Runcorne to Norton Which agrees with the Deed Lib. B. pag. 199. num 1. After the Dissolution of Abbies in England by Henry the Eighth Richard Brooks Esquire Purchased from the King the Mannor of Norton with its Members and Appurtenances to wit Norton Stockham Acton-Grange and Aston-Grange in Cheshire and Cuerdly in Lancashire with other Lands The Charter is dated decimo die Decembris 37 Hen. 8. 1545. whose Heir now enjoyeth these Lands 1666. There is a certain Hamlet or Place called Endley now belonging to the Township of Norton and enjoyed as Part and Parcel of the same which William Fitz-Nigell Baron of Halton held as a distinct thing by it self in the Conqueror's Time as appears by Doomsday-book This afterwards came to Aston of Aston For Richard Aston of Aston Son of Gilbert gave to God and St. Mary and to Randle Prior of Norton all his Land of Hendeley with all its Appurtenances about King John's Reign Lib. B. pag. 200. num 8. Here was anciently a Church belonging to
Over-Pever successively Thomas Alan and Richard living 38 Edw. 3. Lib. B. pag. 9. h. pag. 10. n. o. Also Emme a Daughter married Richard Wynnington Son and Heir of Sir Richard Wynnington of Wynnington nigh Northwich 1357. 31 Edw. 3. Lib. B. pag. 11. w. Ellen another Daughter married Raufe Son and Heir of Raufe Son of Richard Vernon of Shibrok in Cheshire 33 Edw. 3. 1359. Lib. B. pag. 12. b. And Joan married VVilliam Legh of Baggiley 33 Edw. 3. 1359. She was but five Years old on Candlemas-day then last past Lib. B. pag. 11. x. and lived not to have any Issue by VVilliam Legh This William Manwaring was stiled William Manwaring the Elder 33 Edw. 3. Lib. B. pag. 9. I. pag. 12. b. He Sealed with his Coat of Arms most usually to wit Three Bars with a Lion Passant in Chief Lib. B. pag. 9. I. Inscribed about the Seal SIGILL WILLIELMI DE MAYNWARINGE Which Coat of Arms he gave in distinction from Manwaring of Warmincham out of which Family his Ancestor branched For Roger Manwaring of Warmincham in the Reign of Henry the Third Sealed with Six Barrulets whose Son and Heir Sir Thomas Manwaring of Warmincham used onely Two Barrs in his Seal as I have seen their Seals And after the Male-Line of Manwaring of Warmincham failed then did the Heir of Manwaring of Over-Pever assume the Two Bars onely in the Reign of Richard the Second as next Heir Male leaving off this Coat of Three Bars with a Lion in Chief as shall anon in due place appear This VVilliam Manwaring the Elder died 38 Edw. 3. 1364. Elizabeth his Widow survived and was living 1405. 6 Hen. 4. V. VVilliam Manwaring of Over-Pever junior Son and Heir of VVilliam Manwaring the Elder by Joan Praers had also two Wifes The first was Katharine Daughter of John Belgrave of Belgrave in the Township of Eaton-boat in Cheshire whom he married 40 Edw. 3. 1366. Lib. B. pag. 10. p. His second Wife was Clementia Cotton Lib. B. pag. 13. g. But he had not any Issue by either Wife This VVilliam settles his Estate upon his departure out of England towards Guyen 17 Rich. 2. 1393. and afterwards made his Will 1394. wherein among other things he Bequeaths his Body to be Buried in Aghton-Church and his Picture in Alabaster to cover his Tomb in the said Church He gave also to the said Church a part of Christ's Cross which the Wife of Randle Manwaring his Half-Brother had in her Custody shut up in Wax Also to the Chappel of Over-Pever unam Togam de Blueto ut fiat indè Vestimentum ibidèm He left also a competent Salary for a Chaplain to celebrate for his Soul in the Chappel of St. Mary in Aghton-Church for seven Years Lib. B. pag. 14. H. I. This VVilliam died without Issue 1399. 22 Rich. 2. and was buried at Aghton-Church leaving John Manwaring his Half-Brother to succeed in his Inheritance VI. John Manwaring of Over-Pever Half-Brother and Heir to the last VVilliam and Son to VVilliam Manwaring the Elder by Elizabeth his second Wife married Margaret the Widow of Sir John VVarren of Pointon in Cheshire and Daughter and Heir of Sir John Stafford of VVigham about 13 Rich. 2. For Sir John VVarren died the tenth of Richard the Second Lib. F. pag. 19. b. The King gave to this John Manwaring all the Lands and Goods of Sir Hugh Browe which the said Sir Hugh had forfeited by his Rebellion Dated 18 Augusti 4 Hen. 4. Lib. B. pag. 24. d. e. This John Manwaring waited on the Prince afterwards King Henry the Fifth and he was made Sheriff of Cheshire quamdiù nobis placuerit 18 Septembris 4 Hen. 4. and continued Sheriff 5 Hen. 4. and 6 Hen. 4. In which Writ the Earl of Chester calls him Armigerum suum He had also an Annual Pension of twenty Marks given him pro bono Servitio impenso impendendo 8 Hen. 4. Also he with Matthew del Mere and Thomas Meyshawe were Constituted Judges of the Gaol-delivery at Chester hâc vice nono die Aprilis 5 Hen. 4. This John Manwaring died without Lawful Issue 11 Hen. 4. 1410. leaving his Brother Randle to succeed in his Inheritance Margaret his Widow survived and was living 4 Hen. 5. Lib. B. pag. 22. a. pag. 12. a. He had a Bustard-son by Margery VVinnington called Peter Manwaring Lib. B. pag. 13. g. h. VII Randle Manwaring of Over-Pever Esquire Brother and Heir to John Manwaring married Margery the Widow of Richard Buckley of Chedill in Cheshire and Daughter of Hugh Venables Baron of Kinderton He Petitioned the King for enjoying the Dower of Margery his Wife because he had Married her without the King's Licence 16 Rich. 2. by whom he had Issue John Manwaring eldest Son William Manwaring second Son from whom the Manwarings of Ightfield in Shropshire Randle Manwaring third Son from whom the Manwarings of Carincham in Cheshire Elizabeth married Raufe Egerton of Wryne-Hill in Staffordshire Lib. B pa 16. n. Cicely married Thomas Fowleshurst of Crew in Cheshire Joan married John Davenport Son and Heir of Raufe Davenport of Davenport in Cheshire 12 Hen. 4. 1411. Lib. B. pag. 16. m. Ellen married Thomas Fitton of Gowesworth in Cheshire Agnes another Daughter was Affianced to William Bromley of Badington in Cheshire Son of Sir John Bromley but she died before Marriage whereupon he married Margaret Sister to Agnes 4 Hen. 6. 1426. Lib. B. pag. 7. num 8 9. This Margaret was Widow 15 Hen. 6. 1436. Lib. B. pag. 17. q. r. And after she married Sir John Nedham of Crannach Justiciarius de Banco and Judge of Chester 1 Edw. 4. But Sir John Nedham had no Issue by her This Randle was also a Courtier stiled Armiger Regis The King's Servant Sagittarius de Coronâ 21 Rich. 2. and went into Ireland with his Brother John in the King's Service 22 Rich. 2. He had the Office of Equitator Forestae de Marâ Mondrum granted unto him for his Life 6 Hen. 4. and two Parts of the Serjeanty of Maxfield-Hundred which were Raufe Davenport's till John Davenport came to Age Dated 3 Hen. 5. And he had also with others the Custody of the Mannor of Kerincham in Cheshire 13 Hen. 6. He had a Bastard-Son by Emme Farrington called Hugh Manwaring from whom the Manwarings of Croxton nigh Middle-wich Also Thomas Manwaring of North-Rode another Bastard-Son 12 Rich. 2. and Randle another Bastard-Son 4 Hen. 4. and also three Bastard-Daughters Lib. B. pag. 13. h. pag. 42. a. b. c. This Randle Manwaring of Over-Pever stiled commonly Honkyn Manwaring in the Language of those Times died 35 Hen. 6. 1456. Lib. B. pag. 21. e. Buried at Over-Pever in the Stone Chappel on the South side of the Church Which Chappel Margery his Wife surviving erected with the two Monuments therein for her self and Husband Anno Domini 1456. VIII Sir John Manwaring of Over-Pever Knight Son and Heir of Randle married Margaret Daughter of
after the death of Sir Robert de Monte alto his Uncle except the Rents formerly given unto Queen Isabel Dated 24 Edw. 3. Lib. C. fol. 230. y. The Original of this Deed remained among the Evidences of the late Lord Cholmondley and the Copy of the Fine Levied hereon in the same Year is Enrolled in the Leiger-Book of the Abby of Vale-Royal fol. 30. b. which Book was in possession of Thomas Merbury of Merbury nigh Comberbach Esquire 1666. Vide Tom. 2. of my own Evidences in principio In the Year of Christ 1364. die Veneris in Festo Sanctae Luciae Virginis John Pool came before Thomas then Abbot of Vale-Royal in the said Abby and did Fealty to the said Abbot for this Moiety of the Mannor of Nether-Pever which he acknowledged to hold of the said Abbot by the yearly Rent of Twelve Pence to be paid at the Feast of St. Michael onely and by paying to the said Abbot two Shillings for Relief as appears by the same Book Lib. C. fol. 230. z. From Pool of Hartington this Moiety was granted to George Holford of Holford about the Time of Henry the Seventh In which Family of the Holfords of Holford it continued till Mary Daughter and Heir of Christopher Holford Esquire brought the Inheritance of all Holford-Lands unto Sir Hugh Cholmondley of Cholmondley the younger in Marriage in the Reign of Queen Elizabeth Concerning which Inheritance great Suits fell between the said Lady Mary Cholmondley and George Holford of Newborough in Dutton uncle to the said Mary and next Heir-male of the Holfords These Suits lasted above forty Years At last towards the end of King James's Reign the matter was compos'd by Friends The Lady Mary had Holford-Demain and George Holford had the Demain of Iscoit in Flintshire near to Whitchurch in Shropshire The Lands in Nether-Pever Plumley and Lostock-Gralam belonging to the Holfords were promiscuously allotted Part to the one and Part to the other as at this day they be enjoyed So that in the Year 1659. Robert Cholmondley Earl of Leimster in Ireland Son and Heir of the said Lady Mary and James Holford of Newborough Esquire Son of Peter Son of George Holford abovesaid did enjoy this other Moiety of Nether-Pever between them In which Year the said Lord Cholmondley died without any Lawful Issue of his Body Concerning the Chappel of Nether-Pever see above in Budworth Picmere This Township of Picmere is not in Doomsday-book whereby it seemeth to be Waste at that time It was anciently of two Fees in the Reign of King John One Moiety Raufe Manwaring sometime Judge of Chester gave unto Henry de Aldithley or Audley in Free-Marriage with Bertrey his Daughter together with the Towns of Smallwood and Snelston and a Mark of Annual Rent in the City of Chester of the Land which belonged to one Fagun Unto which Deed Philip Orreby then Judge of Chester was a Witness The Original is in Cotton's Library at Westminster Lib. B. pag. 1. a. Henry of Audley by the consent of Bertrey his Wife gave to Thomas Son of Randle de Longsdon libero homini suo half of his Land in Picmere and half of his Wood there Rendring yearly 3 s. 4 d. as I find the Deed extracted in Vernon's Notes This Moiety of Picmere is now enjoyed by these Persons following 1666. 1. Thomas Merbury of Merbury Esquire hath one half of this Moiety which formerly belonged to the Cockers of Picmere ever since the Reign of Henry the Third until Hugh Cocker of Pickmere sold the Reversion hereof after his Life unto Thomas Merbury Father of Thomas aforesaid Anno Domini 1604. Probably this was that Part which Henry Audley gave to Thomas Longsdon 2. Thomas Daniell of Over-Tabley Esquire hath four Tenements here in Lease These were formerly held by William Wiche and called Wiche's Lands which upon the Attainder of Sir William Stanley of Holt-Castle Anno Domini 1495. Lord Chamberlain to Henry the Seventh Escheated to the King and were afterwards given to George Sutton one of the Grooms of the Chamber 14 H. 8. Sutton sold them to Richard Sneyd 7 Novembris 14 Hen. 8. and William Sneyd sold them to Thomas Daniell of Over-Tabley Esquire 36 Hen. 8. 3. Sir Peter Leycester of Nether-Tabley Baronet hath one Tenement here now in Possession of John Perceivall which was Part of Wiche's Lands and was sold by William Sneyd to Gawen Legh of Northwood in High-Legh 35 Hen. 8. 1543. before he sold the rest to Daniell And this Tenement afterwards Richard Legh of Northwood Gentleman sold among other Lands to Peter Leycester of Tabley Esquire 1633. whose Son now enjoyeth the same 4. John Swinton of Nether-Knotsford hath one good Tenement here But part of this lieth in Winsham formerly Crocket's Land of Nantwich 5. John Key of the Yate in Picmere Part of Crocket's Land formerly 6. Peter Deane of Over-Tabley hath Land in Picmere lately bought from Key of the Yate 7. Philip Anterbus of Over-Pever one Close belonging to his Free-hold Land in Aston juxtà Picmere 8. Sir George Warburton of Arley Baronet hath about one Acre and a half in Possession of Robert Deusbery and Thomas Starky of Feldy The other Moiety of Picmere together with the Mannor of Winsham William Venables gave to Maud his Sister in Free-Marriage to be held by the Service of half a Knights Fee whereunto Roger Lacy Constable of Cheshire is a Witness Which Roger died Anno Domini 1211. 13 Johannis Regis saith Matthew Paris in his History Lib. B. pag. 50. a. This Maud had two Husbands The first was Raufe Son of Roger the second was Hugh de Bixis or Brixis This Hugh and his Wife grant to Hugh Venables all the Land which William de Offley held of them in Picmere and the Wardship of the Children of Hugh Son of the said William de Offley till they come to such Age as to govern the said Land Lib. B. pag. 50. e. Ex Chartulis Glover de Picmere Hugh Venables grants to Hugh de Picmere and his Heirs the whole Moiety of the Village of Picmere for the same Service contained in the Deed of William Venables his Father the Donor of the same Lands This was tempore Henrici Tertii Lib. B. pag. 51. num 1. Afterwards William Son of Guy of Winsham grants to Henry Son of Hugh de Picmere all his Rent in the Township of Picmere to wit 3 s. 1 d. ob which he yearly received from Hugh de Picmere Rendring a Pair of White Gloves yearly Lib. B. pag. 54. num 19. And Pagan Son of Raufe de Wastneys Lord of Winsham releaseth to the said Henry all his Right in 3 s. 1 d. ob Rent which he received of the said Henry So that now he was onely to pay 3 s. 1 d. ob yearly from henceforward and a Pair of Gloves for all Services And this was in the Reign of Edward the First Lib. B. pag. 51. num 2. Hugh Picmere Son of Henry was
Rosthorne to wit quartam partem Villae quam Petrus Chanu Avunculus meus tenuit For which was a Suit per Breve de morte Antecessoris between the said William Chanu Demandant and William de Massy and Margery his Wife Tenants Testibus Philippo de Orreby tunc Justiciario Cestriae Willielmo Venables Hamone de Massy c. Sub initio Hen. 3. Ego Ricardus de Rotherston Filius Ricardi Clerici de Rothesthorne dedi Margeriae Filiae Homfridi de Rothesthorne Clerici unam Bovatam Terrae in Rothesthorne quam Petrus Chanu tenuit scilicet quartam partem Villae Pro qua Margeria dedit quatuor Marcas Argenti And so released to Richard all Covenants which had been between Richard and his Father and Wimar his Sister on the one Part and the said Margery and William her Son and Amabilia her Daughter on the other Part Testibus Philippo de Orreby tunc Justiciario Cestriae c. SCiant praesentes futuri Quod ego Rogerus de Hale Carpentarius dedi Thomae de Massy Filio Domini Willielmi de Massy totam Terram meam Tenementum meum tam in Molendinis quam in Terris quod habui in Villa de Rosthorne Faciendo inde Servitium Dominis illius Villae quod continetur in Charta Originali quam sibi deliberavi quando istam Chartam sibi feci c. Testibus Ricardo de Wilbraham tunc Vicecomite Cestershiriae Ricardo de Vernon Willielmo de Massy Willielmo de Carrington tunc Ballivo de Doneham c. This Deed was made 1270. OMnibus Christi fidelibus Willielmus Filius Willielmi Filii Gilberti de Tabley salutem Noveritis me remisisse Roberto de Massy Domino de Tatton totum jus meum in omnibus Terris quae fuerunt Margeriae Proaviae meae in Villa de Rosthorne c. Sub. Edw. 2. Richard Bruncroft gives to Richard Massy Son of Sir William Massy Knight certain Lands in Rosthorne in exchange for Lands in Quiter-hall towards the Bounds of Norshagh in Tatton Testibus Willielmo de Venables c. The Prior and Convent of Norton give to Sir Richard Massy Knight the Homage and the Service of the Lands of Henry the Hunter in Rosthorne Testibus Hamone de Massy Roberto le Grosvenour tunc Vicecomite Cestershiriae c. This was made in Anno 1286. or thereabout Robert Massy Lord of Tatton and John Legh of Booths make an Agreement and Partition to each a Moiety of Rosthorne-Mill and to each the Mulcture of their own Tenants They exchange Land and release Rent to each other and Legh is to hold a fourth Part of Rosthorne of Robert Massy in Fee by the yearly Rent of Twelve pence Testibus Hugh de Heelegh Chief-Justice of Chester * This was Hugh de Audley of Heeley-Castle in Staffordshire c. 1315. So far out of Mr. Halsey's Notes Inter les Fines Cestriae 18 Edw. 3. Finalis Concordia coram Henrice de Ferrars Justiciario Cestriae Johanne de Arderne Radulfo de Vernon Petro de Thorneton Willielmo Boydell Militibus Johanne de Wetenhale Willielmo de Praers Thoma Danyers Inter Ricardum Filium Hugonis Massy de Tatton Aliciam Uxorem ejus quaerentes Hugonem Filium Willielmi Massy de Tatton deforciantem de Mannerio de Rosthorne cum pertinentiis c. So that Massy of Tatton was Lord of the other Moity of Rosthorne ever since the Reign of Edward the First if not the Royalty of the whole How these Lands descended to the Earl of Bridgewater see the Pedegree in Tatton Charterers in Rosthorne 1666. 1. George Massy of Denfield whose Ancestors descended out of the Massies of Tatton under Edward the Third 2. Edward Allen of Rosthorne Runcorn Superior Inferior THese two Townships now distinguish'd into Over-Runcorn and Nether-Runcorn are Mized together in our Common Mize-book and are very hard Mized Here at Runcorn that Magnanimous Virago Elflede Countess of Mercia and Widow to Ethelred the Chief Governor of Mercia and Sister to King Edward the Elder did build a Town Anno Domini 916. as Florentius Huntington and other our Historians do affirm A Town and Castle saith Stow pag. 81. Probably it was then in a more flourishing condition than now it is For now it is a very poor Village and seems to be Waste in the Conqueror's Time for it is not mentioned in Doomsday-book Both these Townships comprehend not fully 300 Cheshire Acres upon a Survey of the Assessors made by estimation in the Time of our late War These little Villages are both of the Fee of the ancient Barony of Halton and were formerly Copy-hold Land to the Manor of Halton until the several Owners bought out their Lands in Fee-farm to hold in Free and Common Soccage of the Mannor of Enfield in Middlesex the King 's Grant bearing date the ninth day of September 4 Car. 1. 1628. as you may see also above in Moore Some Lands in these Townships are ancient Free-hold Land For Sir Hugh Dutton of Dutton by Office taken at Frodsham 22 Edw. 1. 1294. was found to hold seven Bovates of Land in Runcorn with other Lands of the Honor of Halton which are termed The third Part of Over-Runcorn in the Feodary of Halton Vide supra at the end of Halton But these Lands were sold lately by Gilbert Lord Gerard unto Savage of Rock-Savage in the Reign of King James Here is seated on the Bank by the Riverside an ancient Parish-Church Alhallowes of Nether-Runcorn Dedicated to All-Saints William Son of Nigell Baron of Halton founded here a House of Canons Regular Anno Domini 1133. And afterwards William Constable of Cheshire the younger Son of William Son of Nigell removed their Habitation unto Norton about the Reign of King Stephen All which Donations of William Constable of Cheshire the younger and of the Churches of Runcorn and Great-Budworth and many other things Henry the Second confirms to the Canons of Runcorn as you may see the Charter in Monasticon Vol. 2. pag. 186. Ratified also by the Charter of Edward the Third wherein he Confirms Donationem quam Hugo de Duttona Filius Hugonis de Duttona fecit per Chartam suam praedictis Canonicis de duobus Solidis octo Denariis de redditu de Pulseya ac de Terra de Frodsham cum pertinentiis de Terra de Pulles-eya cum Capella tota Terra Assartata Pastura ad sexaginta animalia ibidem ante Publicationem Statuti praedicti de Terris ad manum mortuam non ponendis editi Datum apud Glocester 30 die Augusti 3 Edw. 3. See more of the Priory of Norton of the Order of St. Augustine supra in Norton The Church of Runcorn seems to be before the Norman Conquest For we read in the ancient Roll That Nigell Baron of Halton gave the Church of Runcorn to Wolfaith a Priest his Brother in the Reign of the Conqueror This Church hath now for its Patron Christ-Church College in Oxford For after the Statute of Dissolution
Elizabeth second Daughter born at Nether-Tabley on Wednesday the sixteenth day of June 1647. married Samuel Birch younger Son of John Birch of Whitborn in Herefordshire 1666. She miscarried of a Female-Child in November 1667. and soon after died of the Small-Pox on Saturday the last of November at Whitborn aforesaid Anno Domini 1667. and was buried at Whitborn-Church Byron Leycester third Daughter born at Nether-Tabley on Saturday the sixth day of October 1655. and is yet living 1669. Sir Peter Leycester and Elizabeth his Lady are both yet living 1669. He was Created Baronet the tenth day of August 1660. 12 Car. 2. XV. Robert Leycester of Nether-Tabley Esquire eldest Son of Sir Peter and Elizabeth married Meriel Daughter and Heir of Francis Watson late of Church-Aston nigh Newport in Shropshire Esquire 6 die Junii 1667. and hath Issue Robert a Son born at Marcham in Berkshire on Friday the sixteenth day of April Anno Domini 1669. Over-Tabley THe Township of Over-Tabley was held by William Fitz-Nigell Baron of Halton in the Time of William the Conqueror We read in Doomsday-book thus Isdem Willielmus tenet Stabelei Lewinus tenuit liber Homo fuit ibi tertia pars unius Hidae Geldabilis Terra est una Caruca Wasta fuit est Silva ibi dimidia Leuva longa XL Perticis lata valuit X solidos Isdem Willielmus tenet in ipsa Villa unam Bovatam Terrae tertiam partem unius Hidae Geldabilem Segrid Ulsi tenuerunt pro duobus Maneriis liberi fuerunt Terra est una Caruca Wasta fuit est Tempore Regis Edwardi valebat septem solidos But not long after certain it is that this Township was of three distinct Fees One third Part of Over-Tabley Roger de Manwaring gave to the Monastery of Saint Werburge in Chester in the Reign of Henry the Second Lib. B. in principio This third Part came afterwards to William de Tabley * This William de Tabley writ himself Dominus de Tabley that is de Over-Tabley sometimes Dominus de Knotsford tempore Edw. 1. who gave the same to Sir John Grey Son of Sir Reginald Grey and Sir John granted it to Roger Leycester Lord of Nether-Tabley Anno Domini 1296. F. num 1. Which in all the Offices of Leycester of Tabley is found to be held of the Abby of St. Werburge And Leycester of Tabley is now possessed of this third Part at this day 1666. One other third Part was possessed by Adam de Tabley in the Reign of Edward the Third Sir William Boydell being Chief Lord thereof For William Son of John Boydell of Dodleston releaseth unto Adam de Tabley all Services due for his third Part of Over-Tabley for one Penny onely to be paid at the Nativity of St. John Baptist yearly for all Service Dated at Dodleston 17 Edw. 3. 1342. F. num 3. This Adam de Tabley I conceive was originally a Massy for he Sealed with Massy's Coat of Arms. This third Part came afterwards to Thomas Daniell younger Son of Thomas Daniell of Bradley in Appleton the Elder by Joan Norreys a second Wife in Marriage with Katharine Daughter and Heir of William Son of Adam de Tabley 27 Edw. 3. 1353. Lib. C. fol. 241. l. for which Marriage Thomas Daniell the Father gave to Adam de Tabley 46 l. 13 s. 4 d. By Katharine came also the Moiety of Bexton to Thomas Daniell the Son her Husband who was afterwards Sir Thomas Daniell of Over-Tabley 6 Rich. 2. 1382. whose Heirs are possessed of this third Part at this present 1666. One other third part remaining was possessed anciently by another Family of the Tableys called The Hall of the Wood in Over-Tabley until Matthew de Tabley was Attainted of Felony 22 Edw. 4. 1483. whose Lands by the Office taken 1 Hen. 7. were found to be held of the Honour of Halton and so were seized into the King's Hands And I find John Leycester of Nether-Tabley Esq excepting against that Office of 1 Hen. 7. and complaining to the Judges and Chamberlain of Chester and alledging That these Lands were held of him by Homage and Fealty and Twelve Pence * This 12 d. Rent is at this day paid to Leycester by Th Warburton of Tabley-Hill which Tenement is Parcel of the Hall of Wood lands yearly Rent and praying that he may be restored to these Lands as Chief Lord of the Fee C. num 31. But he had too Potent a Person to deal with And King Henry the Seventh granted these Lands to Sir William Stanley of Holt-Castle Lord Chamberlain But he being beheaded for Treason 1495. these Lands Escheated again to the King And Henry the Eighth Leased them to Randle Brereton for his Life 2 Hen. 8. And after Roger Brereton his Son had them for his Life Afterwards these Lands continuing in the King's Hands Robert Chornock and Roger Chornock of London purchased the same and sold them to Piers Leycester of Nether-Tabley Esquire for 240 l. whereof one Moiety was paid in Hand and the other he gave Bond for But Peter Daniell of Over-Tabley Esquire purchasing these Lands at 9 l. per Annum in the King's Books the Chornocks purchased them after the Rate of 18 d. in the King's Books and cheated the said Piers Leycester by a fraudulent Conveyance so that he could not enjoy these Lands It was Decreed in the Court of Requests 4 Maii 1 Eliz. 1559. That the Chornocks should restore the Money which they had received and deliver up the Bond Obligatory to be Cancelled And so Daniell had the Lands which his Posterity now enjoyeth 1666. C. num 13. Charterers in Over-Tabley 1666. 1. Edward Hewet of Mobberley hath one Tenement in Over-Tabley now in Possession of his Tenant John Kell which is within Mr. Daniell's Part. 2. There is also one other in Leycester's third Part to wit the Tenement in Possession late of Richard Duncalfe of Tabley-Hill whereunto formerly Coithurst-Meadows now part of Mr. Daniell's Demain did belong This payeth 12 d. of Chief-rent yearly to Leycester now paid by William Legh of Tabley-Hill This Free-hold was Purchased by George le Criour from Thomas Monkys 5 Ed. 4. Afterwards this Land was purchased by John Duncalfe of Mere 30 Hen. 8. After it came to Peter Hulse of Over-Tabley Hulse sells it to Whitmore of Sudlow 1604. Whitmore sold it to Peter Daniell Esquire 1611. In this Township there is an Ancient Chappel called Over-Tabley-Chappel or more generally known by the name of The Chappel in the Street for it is situate in the High-street An old pitiful Structure ill seated and now in decay This Chappel of Ease being within the Parish of Rosthorn was built about the Reign of Henry the Sixth by the Ancestors of Leycester of Nether-Tabley and Daniell of Over-Tabley for the Ease and Convenience of these two Families and of all their Tenants in Over-Tabley and Nether-Tabley Probably after the Match of Thomas Daniell and Maud Leycester which
all one Name by the Court of the King's Bench Cambden in his Remains on the Name Jane pag. 98. This Sir William Stanley of Holt was Lord Chamberlain to Hen. 7. and Brother to Thomas Stanley the first Earl of Darby of that Family which Sir William was Beheaded 1495. as supposed to encline to the Part of Perkin Warbeck See Crokes Reports 4 Car. 1. pag. 123 124. whose Lands and Goods were all Confiscated to the King He had in ready Money and Plate in his Castle of Holt forty thousand Marks besides Jewels Houshold-stuff and Stock of Cattel in his Grounds He had in Lands 3000 l. per Annum of an old Rent as my Lord Bacon saith in his History of Henry the Seventh He aspired to Petition the King for the Earldom of Chester which ended both in a denial and a distaste He had by Joyce his Wife Daughter of Edward Lord Powys and Widow of John Tiptoft William Stanley before-mentioned and Jane married to Sir John Warburton of Arley in Cheshire one of the Knights of the Body to Henry the Seventh William Stanley of Tatton died about 14 Hen. 7. 1498. Joan his Widow afterwards married Sir Edward Pickering 16 Hen. 7. 1500. And lastly she married Sir John Brereton to her third Husband living 24 Hen. 7. And Joan died 3 Hen. 8. 1511. XII Joan sole Daughter and Heir of William Stanley by Joan Massy his Wife had two Husbands First she married John Ashton Son and Heir of Sir Thomas Ashton of Ashton super Mersey in Cheshire 16 Hen. 7. She was then but eight Years old This John Ashton died young without any Issue by her 5 Hen. 8. 1513. Afterwards she married Sir Richard Brereton younger Son of Sir Randle Brereton of Malpas in Cheshire by whom she had Issue Richard Brereton eldest Son who married Dorothy Daughter of Thurstan de Tildesley in Lancashire Esquire 35 Hen. 8. 1543. But he died without Issue about 4 Edw. 6. Geffrey Brereton second Son succeeded Heir Anne Brereton a Daughter married John Booth of Barton in Lancashire Esq 32 Hen. 8. 1540. X. num 26. This Lady Jane Brereton died the sixth of April 12 Eliz. 1570. aged 77 Years Sir Richard Brereton her Husband died at Islington in Middlesex 3 4 Phil. Mar. 1557. Geffrey his Son and Heir being then of full Age. XIII Geffrey Brereton of Tatton Esquire Son and Heir of Sir Richard Brereton and Jane Stanley married Alice Daughter of Piers Leycester of Nether-Tabley Esq 5. Edw. 6. 1551. A. num 35. and had Issue Richard Brereton Son and Heir and Anne a Daughter living 8 Eliz. who died without Issue This Geffrey died in June 1565. 7 Eliz. about the age of thirty Years Alice his Widow afterwards married Robert Charnocke Gentleman and she died the second of April 1572. 14 Eliz. XIV Richard Brereton of Tatton Esquire Son and Heir of Geffrey and Alice married Dorothy Daughter of Sir Richard Egerton of Ridley in Cheshire 14 Eliz. 1572. but died without Issue December 18. 41 Eliz. 1598. Dorothy his Widow afterwards married Sir Peter Legh of Lime in Cheshire but had no Issue by him She was second Wife to Sir Peter and survived both her Husbands and she died the fourth of April 1639. This Richard Setled all his Estate on Sir Thomas Egerton Lord Chancellor of England from whom the Earls of Bridgewater are descended who are now Owners of these Lands 1667. Thelwall IN the Year of Christ 920. King Edward sirnamed The Elder built a Town here at Thelwall though now an obscure Village so called Teste Forilego from the Stakes and Stumps cut from the Trees wherewith they had environed it about as a Wall for the Saxons called such Stakes Thell and the word Wall is a word yet used for a high Fence that encompasseth any Place about with Stone or other thing or Building So Cambden's Britannia Cheshire Polychronicon lib. 6. cap. 5. ad finem and that King Edward made it a Garrison and placed Soldiers therein wherewith also agrees Florentius Wigorniensis But it seems to lie waste in the time of the Conqueror for I find no mention of it in Dooms-day Book Roger of Poictou Son of Rogerde Montgomery the first Earl of Shrewsbury was Lord of all the Land in Lancashire between the Rivers of Ribble and Mersey and gave half of the Fishing of Thelwall to the Abbot of Shrewsbury under Henry the First Monasticon vol. 1. pag. 383. This was the Fishing on the Lancashire side The Prior of Norton had the other half of the Fishing of Thelwall on the Cheshire side granted by William Constable of Cheshire the younger Baron of Halton about the Reign of King Stephen Monasticon vol. 2. pag. 186. In our Mize-book of Cheshire anciently the Abbot of Salop stood charged with three Shillings in the Mize for Fishing in Thelwall but this Mize is now totally lost no Man now living being able to inform us who ought to pay the same I conceive after the dissolution of Abbeys in England by Henry the Eighth that Fishing coming to the King's hands the Mize thereof ceased being not at all paid of late Times the Fishing being then but of little value This Township of Thelwall is of the Fee of the Honor of Halton one third part whereof William Constable of Cheshire gave to the Abbey of Salop cum pertinentiis in bosco in plano in aquâ Monasticon vol. 1. pag. 383. In the Reign of Henry the Third Edmund Lacy Baron of Halton and Constable of Cheshire gave Domino Galfrido de Dutton Ancestour to Warburton of Arley totam terram suam de Thelwall cum Wera Piscaria Stallagiis suis and also all the Land which he had of the Abbot and Convent of Evesham in Thelwall Reddendo inde annuatim unam Par Cheirothecarum Cervi Furratarum ad Festum Sancti Michaelis pro omni Servitio Lib. C. in ipso initio Ex Chartulis Roberti Pickering de Thelwall fol. 1. f. This could be but two third parts of Thelwall The Original of this Deed is now in possession of Mr. Pickering of Thelwall 1666. This Geffrey Dutton gave these Lands to Thomas his younger Son Ibidem g. Afterwards it was possessed by Clayton in the Reign of Edward the Third and continued in the possession of the Claytons till John Clayton of Thelwall sold it to Richard Brooks of Norton Esquire about 4 Eliz. 1561. whose Son Thomas Brooks of Norton Esquire sold the same to John Moores Doctor of Physick in London Anno Christi 1621. and John Moores of Kirtlington in Nottinghamshire Nephew of Doctor Moores aforesaid sold them to Robert Pickering Councellor at Law 1662. who is now possessed of the Mannor of Thelwall 1666. In this Township of Thelwall are now 1666. certain Freeholds of Inheritance possessed by these Persons following 1. Sir Peter Brookes of Mere hath four Tenements which were given him by his Father Thomas Brookes of Norton Esquire before he sold away the other
by the appointment of the King's Council T. num 80. So ended the Family of Toft of Toft The Descent of Leycester of Toft collected carefully out of the Evidences of that Family 1672. The first of the Issue of Joan that possessed the Mannor of Toft whom I meet withal was Robert Leycester Son of Robert Son of this Rafe and Joan and that 2 Edw. 4. 1462. T. num 51. for that till about this time Robert Toft Father of Joan survived or Roger his Son When John Leycester of Nether-Tabley sold away all his Right and Title to the Moiety of the Mannor of Mobberley with the Advowson of the Church of Mobberley unto John Dumvill of Mobberley and Ciceley his Wife 1 Rich. 2. 1377. which Lands were Setled on the said John Leycester by Sir Rafe Mobberley of Mobberley his Uncle by Feoffees intrusted Anno Domini 1359. M. num 32. and M. num 33. and T. num 31. It was then agreed That one third part of that Moiety should descend to Rafe Leycester his Brother after the death of John Dumvill and Cicely which was Estated accordingly by Thomas Fitton of Gowesworth and other Feoffees intrusted after division thereof made by the Name of 15 Messuages two parts of a Messuage 316 Acres half an Acre half a quarter of an Acre ten Perches and half a Perch of Land sixteen Acres of Wood one quarter and five Perches eight Acres of Moss the third part of a Water-Mill and the third part of all the Wastes of Mobberly then unmeasured together with the Rent and Services of the said Rafe Leycester and William Dawson in Mobberley to hold to John Dumvill and Cicely his Wife for their Lives and after their Deaths then to remain to Rafe Leycester and the Heirs-males of his Body and if Rafe die without Heir-male of his Body then to remain to the right Heirs of Cicely aforesaid for ever Dated at Mobberley on Tuesday in the Feast of St. Petronill the Virgin 2 Rich. 2. 1378. M. num 34. And Rafe Leycester had 15 l. 00 s. 00 d. annual Rent Estated on him during the Lives of the said John Dumvill and Cicely out of all the Lands in Mobberley by Fine Levied to the said Feoffees 1 Rich. 2. M. num 2. M. num 3. which Lands of Mobberley so Setled on this Rafe Leycester are now in possession of Leycester of Toft 1672. So that it seems Rafe Leycester aforesaid had one Messuage in Mobberley by the Grant of Nicholas Leycester his Father and Mary his Mother before these other Lands were Estated on him in Mobberley M. num 39. and he purchased William Dawson's Land in Mobberley after the Settlement aforesaid to wit 3 Rich. 2. M. num 27 28. But the third part of the Mill in the Settlement mentioned Robert Leycester sold to John Troutback 18 Hen. 6. M. num 13. This Rafe Leycester and Joan his Wife had Issue Robert Leycester who succeeded Heir and Roger Leycester living 18 Rich. 2. E. num 1. among the Evidences of Leycester of Tabley Now that this Rafe Leycester was younger Brother to John Leycester of Nether-Tabley appears by their Examinations taken on the part of Robert Grosvenour of Hulme against Scroop concerning the bearing of a Coat of Arms Anno Domini 1386. 10 Rich. 2. where John Leycester is said to be then forty six years old and Rafe Leycester forty years old Lib. C. fol. 126. KK II. The Original upon Record in the Tower of London called The Bundle inter Scroop Grosvenour A Copy of which Record transcribed in a great Book remains now with Grosvenour of Eaton-boate in Cheshire As also that the ancient Lands of the Leycesters remain at this day 1672. in the possession of Leycester of Tabley which must have descended to the Heirs of this Rafe if he had been the elder Brother Again in the Deeds of Toft M. num 10. mentioning the Partition of the Lands in Mobberley between John Dumvill and Cicely his Wife on the one part and John Leycester and Rafe his Brother on the other part for if Rafe Leycester had been the elder Brother it would have been said betwixt Rafe Leycester and John his Brother And lastly That Leycester of Toft beareth his Coat of Arms at this day with a distinction from the Coat-Armour of Leycester of Tabley by adding a Fret upon the Fess and omnis additio probat minoritatem But of this enough which I rather mention least any should judge me partial in my own Cause without certain Grounds of Truth This Rafe Leycester had Lands in Chorley juxta Warford by the Grant of Mary his Mother II Robert Leycester Son and Heir of Rafe married _____ and had Issue Robert Son and Heir Randle second Son and John third Son living 11 Hen. 4. C. num 11. This Randle Leycester second Son married Isabel Daughter and Coheir of David Crew of Pulcroft from whom the Leycesters of Poole in Nantwich Hundred are descended as appears by the Evidences of that Family This Randle died Anno Dom. 1438. whose Posterity continued here until Richard Leycester late Mayor of Chester and Alderman of that City having no Issue gave all his Lands in Poole to Sir Henry Delves of Dodington Baronet in Marriage with Mary his Neece Daughter of Randle Leycester his late Brother This Lady Mary Delves was second Wife of Sir Henry and was Widow 1666. but had no Issue by Sir Henry But these Lands are Setled to descend to another Leycester sprung from that Family after the Death of the said Mary without Issue III. Robert Leycester of Toft Esquire Son of Robert is the first of this Family whom I find stiled De Toft and possessed of the same to wit 2 Edw. 4. 1462. T. num 51. He married Jane Daughter and Coheir of Rafe Booth younger Son of Sir Robert Booth of Dunham-Massy whom the said Rafe begot on Margaret his Wife Daughter and Heir of Thomas Sibell of Sandwich in Kent This Robert had Issue Rafe Leycester Robert another Son living 1 Hen. 7. John another Son 12 Hen. 8. Agnes a Daughter married to John Birtles of Birtles nigh Over-Alderley 6. Edw. 4. 1466. M. num 14. Lib. A. fol. 133. e f g h i k. This Robert Leycester and John Legh of Booths committed an Assault on Dennys Holland Servant to Sir Geffrey Massy of Tatton in the night-time and chased and destroyed his Deer in Tatton Park for which they paid 20 l. apiece 20 Hen. 6. T. num 79. by Award IV. Rafe Leycester Son and Heir of Robert married Agnes Daughter of Robert Ratcliff 17 Edw. 4. 1477. and had Issue John Leycester Son and Heir and James Leycester living 1 Hen. 7. Lib. A. fol. 133. H I K L. This Rafe died in the Life-time of his Father to wit 1 Hen. 7. 1485. V. John Leycester of Toft Esquire Son and Heir of Rafe married Elinour one of the Daughters and Coheirs of Sir James Harrington of Wolfage in Northamptonshire M. num 37.
Charterers following 1. Moldesworth of Winsham These Lands were purchased by Edmund Moldesworth of Winsham Gent. from Raufe Egerton of Ridley in Cheshire Esq 3 Jac. 1605. Lib B. pag. 56. a. 2. Robert Venables of Anterbus in Over-Whitley hath two Messuages in Winsham one now in possession of Raufe Pownall the other of Richard Eyton 3. Thomas Marbury of Marbury Esq hath one Messuage in Winsham the greatest part whereof he hath now laid to his Demain of Merbury the other part and the House is now in possession of Widow Maddock 1666. 4. John Swinton of Nether-Knotsford hath a parcel of Land in Winsham adjoyning to his Land in Picmere This was purchased from Mr. William Merbury elder Brother of the said Thomas 5. William Peacock of Winsham This Messuage was sold by Mr. William Merbury aforesaid unto Raufe Billinge and Raufe Billinge sold it to William Peacock Father of the said William 6. Hugh Lowton of Winsham This Cottage he purchased from Mr. William Merbury aforesaid the 13. of April 14 Car. 1. 1638. Richard Leftwich of Leftwich Esquire Obiit 2 Hen. 8. Margery Daughter of Laurence Marbury of Marbury Esquire Richard Leftwich of Leftwich senior died 30 Hen. 8. Katharine Daughter of Henry Manwaring of Carincham Esquire 1. Richard Leftwich junior Son Heir died without Issue-male 34 Hen. 8. Margaret Daughter and Heir of Robert Buckley of Eyton nigh Davenham Lord of the Moiety of Winsham Margaret Daughter and Heir of Richard Leftwich She died 1588. 30 Eliz. Thomas Woodrofe first Husband He died 1 Eliz. William Harcourt third Son of John Harcourt of Ranton in Staffordshire Esquire second Husband Thomas sine prole Elizabeth Wife of Robert Edowe Brigit 2. Raufe Heir-male to his Brother Richard Ob. 37. H. 8. Elizabeth daughter of Foulk Dutton of Chester John Legh del Ridge second Husband Raufe a Child died 6 Edw. 6. 3. George Leftwich third Son of whom the Leftwiches of Leftwich ⚜ Thomas Buckley of Eyton died 6 Hen. 7. and had Issue Thomas Buckley of Eyton living 15 Hen. 8. who died without Issue and Robert Buckley of Eyton Brother and Heir to Thomas This Robert Buckley had Issue Margaret Wife of Richard Leftwich and Anne Wife of John Brereton 7 Hen. 8. younger Son of Sir William Brereton and Katharine third Daughter But Anne and Katharine had no Issue The Family of the Harcourts of Ranton in Staffordshire are a Noble and Ancient Family whose Ancestor Richard Harcourt Son of William Harcourt of Stanton-Harcourt in Oxfordshire married Orabella Daughter of Saher de Quency Earl of Winchester and of Margaret his Wife Sister and Co-heir to Robert Fitz-Parnell Earl of Leycester unto whom her Father Saher gave Bosworth in Leycestershire in Marriage to wit Market-Bosworth about the end of King John's Reign to be held by the Service of a whole Knights Fee So saith Burton in his Description of Leycestershire p. 47. where he addeth That this Family came originally out of France and that Jean le Feron a Frenchman who wrote under our Edward the Sixth blazeth the Coat-Armor of John de Harcourt Marshal of France under Philip le Beau 1286. thus Gules two Fesses Or which is the same Coat born by the Harcourts in England And further saith That the Family of Harcourt had continued more than 800 Years to his time But of this enough And by Parnell a second Wife William Harcourt had Issue Mary Wife of Robert Pownall of Witton she was born 1599. And Jane married Richard Broom of Lostock-Gralam Margaret the first Wife of William who had her Mothers Lands to wit the Moiety of Winsham died 30 Eliz. 1588. William Harcourt her Husband died 43 Eliz. 1600. II. Richard Harcourt of Winsham Gentleman Son and Heir of William was Lord of the one Moiety of Winsham by Descent in Right of his Mother The other Moiety he Purchased 1606. He married one Elizabeth Widnester of London and had Issue William Harcourt eldest Son born 1605. Raufe born 1614. he died without Issue 1647. Thomas another Son died without Issue Elizabeth married Randle Birchenhead of Northwich whose Father was Usher of the Free-School of Northwich Mary married John Capper of Brindley she was born 1619. Margaret and Jane both died Infants This Richard Harcourt died 1628. III. William Harcourt of Winsham Gentleman Son and Heir of Richard married Mary Daughter of George Holford of Newborough in Dutton Gentleman Anno Domini 1629. This George Holford was younger Son of Thomas Holford of Holford nigh Nether-Tabley Esquire This William Harcourt and Mary are both yet living 1669. and had Issue Frances a Daughter who died young 1651. and George Harcourt a Son born 1632. yet living 1669. who hath sold the Reversion of all Winsham-Lands after the death of his Father and Mother and also what he had in possession unto Robert Venables of Anterbus in Over-Whitley Gentleman Anno Domini 1668. to whom he had Mortgaged the same before THus have I by God's Assistance run through BUCKLOW-HUNDRED according to such Evidences and Records as I had carefully collected concerning the same If I had not met with some Obstructions by some Gentlemen who either out of Waywardness or Jealousie did refuse to let me have the Perusal of their Evidences some things might possibly have been further discovered and illustrated In the mean time I wish this may incite some more able Hand to undertake the like for the reviving of those decayed Monuments of Antiquity in the other Hundreds of this our County which yet lie buried and covered in the Rubbish of Devouring Time FINIS 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Addenda in Part II. Page 134. It seems that Hugh Cyveliok Earl of Chester had either another Base Son or Daughter not there mentioned as appears by this following Deed the Original whereof is now in possession of Somerford Oldfield of Somerford in Cheshire Esquire 1672. SCiant omnes tà m praesentes quà m futuri Quòd ego Nicolaus de Verdon concessi hac praesenti Chartâ meâ confirmavi Siwardo filio Siwardi totam illam terram in Bidulf quam de Johanne de Lindele tenet cùm Bosco cùm omnibus aliis aisiamentis libertatibus eidem terrae pertinentibus sicut Charta praedicti Johannis testatur Sed praedictus Siwardus non dabit praedictam terram nec Hospitalariis nec Templariis nisi licentiâ praedicti Nicolai vel Haeredum suorum Pro hâc autèm Concessione praefatus Siwardus dedit praedicto Nicolao unam Marcam Argenti homagium suum annuatìm octo Sagittas barbatas ad Natale Domini Hiis Testibus Davide de Malo passu Willielmo filio ejus Randulpho de Estbury Nepote Comitis Cestriae multis aliis Where we find plainly That Randle of Estbury was Nephew to the Earl of Chester and this was Randle the Third sirnamed Blundevill who was then Earl of Chester And it is not probable that this Randle de Estbury was Nephew to the Earl by any of his four Sisters and
performed Earl Leofric granted the Townsmen a Freedom by Charter Polychronicon lib. 6. cap. 26. Westminster pag. 424. which Charter Mr. Dugdale in his Warwickshire pag. 86. conceives rather a Freedom from Servile Tenure than onely Toll This Illustrious Leofric died at his own Town of Bromley the last day of August Obiit 1057 Anno Domini 1057. So Florentius and Hoveden pag. 444. and also Matt. Westminster and was buried at Coventry in the Monastery which he had built there the richest Monastery then in England VI. Algar Son of Earl Leofric succeeded his Father in the Earldom of Mercia Anno Domini 1057. Hoveden pag. 444. and is stiled Earl of Chester by Huntington pag. 366. and also Earl of Leycester by Ingulphus pag. 898. Anno Domini 1053. the Earldom of the East-Saxons which before Harold Son of Earl Godwin held was given to this Algar And in the Year 1056. he was banished by Edward the Confessor but by the aid of Griffith King of Wales after the Slaughter of many he was reconciled to his Prince and received his Earldom In the Year 1058. being the Year after his Father's death he was again banished for Treason but by the help of King Griffith and the Norwey Navy he recovered his Earldom by force He had to Wife the Sister of William Mallet as Burton in his Antiquities of Leycestershire affirmeth pag. 168. and had two Sons Edwine Earl of Mercia and Morcar Earl of Northumberland and two Daughters Aldith first married to Griffith King of Wales and after to Harold King of England and Lucio who had three Husbands Ivo Talbois Earl of Angeau the first Husband of Lucy Roger de Romara Son of Gerold the Second Husband of Lucy by whom she had Issue William de Romara Earl of Lincoln Randle de Meschines Viscount Baieux in Normandy Lord of Cumberland in England and afterwards Earl of Chester was the third Husband of Lucy by whom she had also Issue But she survived all her Husbands Ingulphus pag. 898. Hoveden pag. 443 444. Ingul pag. 902 903. Ordericus vitalis pag. 511. 871. Cambden's Britannia in Leycestershire Obiit 1059 Anno Domini 1059. Algar died and was buried at Coventry Ingulphus pag. 898. VII Edwine Son of Algar succeeded Earl of Mercia Anno Domini 1059. He and his Brother Morcar stoutly opposed William the Conqueror Anno 1066. But the Conqueror prevailing he lost his Earldom He lived to the fourth Year of the Conqueror's Reign Anno 1070. Obiit 1070 When fearing to be imprisoned he conveyed himself secretly from the Court of William the Conqueror and rebelled against him and unable to withstand he intended to have gone to Malcolme then King of Scotland but being betrayed by his own Men was slain by the way Ordericus pag. 521. Florentius pag. 437 438. Some say Morcar was taken by the Conqueror and died in Prison Howbeit Ingulphus pag. 901. saith Comites Edwinus Morcarius ambo à suis per insidias trucidati I find no mention of any Issue either of Edwine or Morcar Finis Primae Partis Of the Earls of CHESTER Since the Norman Conquest PART II. CHAP. I. I. AFter that William Duke of Normandy had vanquished King Harold in Battel and obtained the Crown of England which hapned Anno Christi 1066. as all our Histories unanimously declare he by degrees conferred many great Patrimonies and large Possessions upon his more noble Barons as just Rewards for their Service by whose assistance he had got a new Kingdom So Ordericus Vitalis a Writer who lived near to those Times lib. 4. Eccles Hist pag. 521 522. as it is set out with other Histories by Andrew du Chesne and Printed at Paris Anno Domini 1619. tells us in these words Rex Guillielmus dejectis Merciorum maximis consulibus Edwino scilicèt interfecto Morcaro in vinculis constricto Adjutoribus suis inclytas Angliae Regiones distribuit ex infimit Normannorum Clientibus Tribunos Centuriones ditissimos erexit Amongst those of the meaner sort newly raised the principal were Geffrey de Clinton Rafe Basset with some others which Ordericus expresseth more at large pag. 805. II. But concerning the distribution of his Counties in England to his greater sort of Nobles and Barons who accompanied him in this Service see Ordericus pag. 522. Among others Anno 1070. the King gave to William Fitz-Ozberne Dapifero Normanniae that is High Steward of Normandy the Isle of Wight and the County of Hereford Which William with Walter Lacy and other tried Champions the King set as a Curb to the Welsh whose boldness first Invaded Brachavianos or Brecknockshire and slew Risen and Caducan and Mariadoth three Welsh Kings with many others Chester and the County thereof the King had but lately given to one Gherbod Gherbod first Earl of Chester after the Norman Conquest a Nobleman of Flanders who had gallantly behaved himself as well against the English as Welsh and afterwards being sent for by his Friends whom he had left in Flanders and to whom he had committed his hereditary Honour there he obtained liberty of King William the Conqueror to go thither and to return very quickly again but by misfortune he fell into the Hands of his Enemies when he came into Flanders and there endured a long and tedious Imprisonment In the mean time that is to say sub Anno Domini 1070. King William gave the Earldom of Chester to Hugh de Auranges Son of Richard sirnamed Goz. This Hugh with Robert of Rothelent and Robert of Malpas and other cruel Potentates spilt much of the Welshmens Blood And the Castle of Stutesbury now called Tutbury in Staffordshire which Hugh de Auranges held before was given to Henry Son of Walceline de Ferrars And divers other Lands were conferred on other Persons as you may see more at large in Ordericus III. But before I proceed to our Norman Earls of Chester it will not be amiss to note out of Ordericus who that Robert of Rothelent was whom I mentioned before with Earl Hugh for both he and the above mentioned Robert of Malpas were of the prime of the Noblemen and Barons belonging to Hugh Earl of Chester This Robert of Rothelent or Ruthelan is described by Ordericus pag. 669. thus He was a valiant and an active Soldier eloquent Facundus formidabilis but of a stern Countenance liberal and commendable for many Vertues Hic Edwardi Regis Armiger fuit He was one of those who attended the Person of King Edward the Confessor from whom he received the Honor of Knighthood Touching his Descent his Father was Umfrid de Telliolo Son of Amfrid of the Progeny of the Danes His Mothers Name was Adeliza Sister of Hugh de Grentemaisnill of the famous Family of the Geroians He was Commander in Chief at the Siege at Rochester 1 Willielmi Rufi At which time Griffith King of Wales Invaded the Coasts of England and had made a great Destruction about Rothelent For his Works of Piety he
gave to the Abbey of Utica in Normandy where his Brothers Ernald and Roger were Monks and his Father and Mother aliique Parentes ejus were buried the Church of Tellioles and the Tythe of his Mills Lands and Beer in his Cellar And he gave in England two Carucates of Land and twenty Villanes and the Church of Cumbivel all the Town Tythe and Church of Kirkby in Wirrall within the County of Cheshire and the Church of the Island and the Church of St. Peters in Chester City In the Charter of Confirmation of all the Lands given unto the Abbey of Utica by many Noblemen in England made by William the Conqueror An. 1081. we read among other things thus Robertus verò de Rodelento Praefato Hugone Cestrensi Comite Domino suo concedente dedit Sancto Ebrulfo Cherchebiam cùm duabus Ecclesiis unam scilicèt quae in ipsâ villâ est aliam propè illum Manerium in insulâ maris Ecclesiam Sancti Petri Apostoli quicquid ad eam pertinebat in Cestrensi urbe in Merestonâ quae est in Northamptonshire Ecclesiam Sancti Laurentii quicquid ad eam pertinet in eâdem Provinciâ Ecclesiam de Bivellâ cùm duabus terrae Carucatis c. This Charter is set down at large in Ordericus pag. 602. So that Kirkby with the two Churches I conceive is Kirkby in Wirrall within Cheshire one Church then standing in the said Town and the other near thereunto in the Island of the Sea which I conceive is meant of the Island now called Ilbree Robert of Rothelent came very young into England with his Father and Served King Edward the Confessor both in his House and in his Wars till at last the King Knighted him afterwards having been trained up in Arms here he got leave of King Edward to go see his Friends in his own Countrey of Normandy and after the Battel of Senlace he came again into England with his Cosin Hugh Son of Richard de Auranches sirnamed Goz and was a very principal Man in all Military Employments And after many Conflicts the said Hugh was made Earl of Chester and Robert of Rothelent was the chief Commander of all the Forces under Earl Hugh and made Governor of all Cheshire And William the Conquerour caused Rothelent Castle and Town to be built and gave it to this Robert that he might make it a Defence to England by curbing the Excursions of the Welsh And this stout Champion Seating on their Borders had many Skirmishes with the Welsh and slew many of them and enlarged his Territories and on the Mount Dagaunoth close by the Sea he built a strong Castle and for fifteen years sore afflicted the Britons or Welshmen But at last Griffith King of Wales on the third day of July Anno Christi 1088. Obiit 1088 Landed with three Ships under the Hill called Hormaheva and when he had pillaged the Countrey returned back to his Ships But as soon as Robert had notice he calls his Soldiers together and with a few Soldiers coming to the top of the Hill he saw them Shipping the Men and Cattel which the Welsh had taken and being incensed thereat himself runs violently down the Steep Hill attended onely with one Soldier called Osberne de Orgiers towards the Enemy but they perceiving him so slenderly Guarded returned back upon him and with their Darts or Arrows mortally wounded him yet whilst he stood and had his Buckler none durst approach so near as to Encounter him with a Sword but as soon as he fell the Enemy rushed upon him and cut off his Head which they hanged upon the Mast of the Ship in triumph Aftewards with great lamentation both of the English and Normans his Soldiers brought his Body to Chester and it was Interred in the Monastery of St. Werburge in that City which Monastery Hugh Earl of Chester had built and had made Richard a Monk of Becke in Normandy the first Abbot thereof Thus Ordericus pag. 670 671. So much of Robert of Rothelent I shall now proceed to the the Earls of Chester IV. The Title of Earl of Chester since the coming in of the Normans is more properly and peculiarly applied than before for although in the time of the Saxons Leofric Algar and Edwine who was Earl when the Conqueror invaded England had all of them successively that Appellation or Title yet they were not onely Earls of Chester but were sometimes denominated from other Places also as Leofric and Algar both many times stiled Earls of Leicester And indeed they were not so much Earls of either of those two Counties as of all Mercia whereof those were but small Branches or Members But now more particularly the Conqueror gives to Hugh sirnamed Lupus the whole County and Earldom of Chester to hold of him Tâm liberè ad gladium sicùt ipse Rex tenebat Angliam ad Coronam as the very words of the Charter do run saith Cambden Which words some Expound to be the Tenure of being Sword-bearer of England at the Coronations of the Kings of England whence we read in Matthew Paris that when King Henry the Third Married Queen Elinour Anno Domini 1236. the Marriage was pompously solemnized and all the great Men of the Kingdom used those Offices and Places which had of ancient Right belonged to their Ancestors at the Coronation of the Kings The Earl of Chester then carried the Sword of St. Edward which is called Curtein before the King in token that he was an Earl Palatine and had Power by Right to restrain the King if he should do amiss his Constable of Cheshire attending on him and beating back the People with a Rod or Staff when they pressed disorderly upon him This Paris voucheth an Author who lived in that very Age pag. 421. But although this Office might have of ancient Right belonged to the Earls of Chester ever since the time of Hugh Lupus yet I believe there is something more magnificent couched in those words of the first Charter or Donation namely a Dignity inherent in the Sword as purchased by it and to be kept by it also For as in the Crown of England there is an inherent Right of Regality annexed so here is given an inherent Right of Dignity in the Sword This is to hold as freely by the Sword as the King holds by the Crown onely inferiour to his King Hence was it that whatsoever we say concerning the Pleas of the Crown or to be done against the King's Crown and Dignity the same is also said but in a more limited course concerning the Pleas of the Sword of Chester or to be done against the Sword and Dignity of the Earl of Chester as is most evident out of the Records and Endictments of those Times V. I come now to Hugh sirnamed Lupus howbeit in truth he was not the first Earl of Chester after the Norman Conquest for I have before shewed that Gherbod a Nobleman of Flanders had